Singapore, 29 May 2025 – In a significant crackdown on scams, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has announced the investigation of 42 individuals as part of a coordinated operation conducted in collaboration with local banks. This operation, which took place between April 15 and May 13, 2025, focused on government official impersonation scams, investment scams, and job scams.
Operation Details
During this extensive operation, officers from the SPF’s Anti-Scam Command (ASC) and the Police Land Divisions’ Scam Strike Teams worked in tandem with local banks to freeze over 400 bank accounts and seize approximately S$1.9 million in suspected proceeds from scams. Raids were conducted across various locations in Singapore to apprehend individuals suspected of allowing their bank accounts to be used by scammers for money laundering purposes.
Among those arrested were seven men and two women, aged between 18 and 33. Additionally, 33 other individuals are currently under investigation. The operation also involved collaboration with major industry stakeholders, including social media companies and telecommunications providers, which led to the disruption of over 900 online enablers and the termination of more than 806 phone lines associated with these scams.
Nature of the Scams
The 42 individuals are believed to be linked to more than 200 scam cases, primarily involving job scams, investment scams, and impersonation of government officials. The police are investigating these cases under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, as well as the Computer Misuse Act 1993.
Legal Consequences
Under Section 55A(1) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, individuals found guilty of assisting others in retaining benefits from criminal conduct may face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to S$50,000, or both. For first-time offenders under the Computer Misuse Act, unauthorized access to computer material can result in imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
Police Stance and Public Advisory
The Singapore Police Force has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards scams and emphasized that anyone involved in such activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The police urge the public to remain vigilant and to reject any requests to use their SingPass credentials, bank accounts, or mobile lines, as individuals may be held accountable for any misuse.
For more information on scams and how to protect oneself, the public is encouraged to visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or contact the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. The fight against scams is a collective effort, and the police call on the community to work together to ACT Against Scams and safeguard the public.