Singapore Police Probe 30 in Illegal Gambling Crackdown

Singapore police are investigating 30 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal online gambling and related financial offences following a five-day enforcement operation that uncovered nearly S$19,000 in suspected illicit funds.

The operation was carried out by the Specialized Crime Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department between 21 and 29 May. During the investigation, authorities identified and arrested 21 men and nine women aged between 17 and 79 as part of ongoing efforts to combat unlawful gambling activities and associated financial crimes.

According to police, five individuals are suspected of placing bets through online gambling operators that are not licensed in Singapore. Investigators allege that funds linked to those activities were transferred through bank accounts controlled by criminal syndicates. The suspects are being investigated under Section 20 of the Gambling Control Act 2022, which provides penalties of up to S$10,000 in fines and up to six months in prison for participating in illegal gambling services.

The remaining 25 individuals are suspected of handing over or selling access to personal and corporate bank accounts to criminal groups. Police believe some of those involved may have provided misleading information to banks when opening the accounts before passing control to third parties.

Authorities said the investigation also involves potential offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1993, the Penal Code and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992. The case is linked to a broader pattern of financial account misuse connected to illegal gambling operations.

Police noted that individuals found guilty of offences involving unauthorized access to digital identity credentials, including Singpass accounts, could face prison terms and fines under the Computer Misuse Act. Other potential charges linked to fraud and money laundering may also carry substantial penalties, including jail sentences of up to 10 years and fines reaching S$500,000.

Singapore has tightened its gambling regulations in recent years through the Gambling Control Act 2022, which targets unlicensed overseas gambling operators offering services to local residents. Authorities also urged the public not to surrender control of their bank accounts to others and encouraged anyone aware of suspicious activity to report it.

The investigation forms part of Singapore’s continued efforts to strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling and related financial crime networks.