The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has rounded up 231 suspects following a massive two-week islandwide enforcement operation targeting scammers and money mules linked to over 900 scam cases.
Victims involved in these reports allegedly lost more than $6.35 million in various schemes including investment, job, and e-commerce frauds.
The operation, led by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) and seven Police Land Divisions, took place between Jan 30 and Feb 12.
The suspects, comprising 165 men and 66 women, are aged between 14 and 84 years.
Investigators believe the group is linked to a wide array of tactics, specifically e-commerce, friend impersonation, job, government official impersonation, investment, and rental scams.
The suspects are currently being investigated for alleged offences including cheating, money laundering, or providing payment services without a license.
Under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871, the offence of cheating carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
Those found guilty of money laundering under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.
Carrying on a business to provide payment services without a license under Section 5 of the Payment Services Act 2019 carries a fine of up to $125,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.
Stricter penalties are now in play following the passing of the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill on Nov 4, 2025.
Since Dec 30, 2025, scammers and syndicate recruiters face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, up to a maximum of 24 strokes.
Scam mules who facilitate these crimes by providing Singpass credentials, SIM cards, or laundering proceeds now face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes. This applies to specific offences under the Computer Misuse Act and the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.
The police have reminded the public that individuals involved in mule-related activities may also face the Facility Restriction Framework. This could result in restricted access to banking services and mobile line subscriptions, even if they have only been warned or issued composition sums.
For more information, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
Information on scams can be reported via the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or the I-Witness portal at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and checked by our editors.
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