 said in a statement today evening (20 Feb) that they have arrested 13 people aged between 19 to 22 for their){kind=link}
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a statement today evening (20 Feb) that they have arrested 13 people aged between 19 to 22 for their alleged involvement in the series of OCBC Phishing Scams.
Of the 13 people, nine are men and four are women.
SPF officers have been watching the scam situation closely since it began in December 2021.
After full on investigations and questioning, the 13 people who the SPF believe are involved in the scams had their identities unfolded.
Operation mounted on 16 and 17 Feb
In an operation mounted on the 16 and 17 of February 2022 held by the SPF officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the 13 of them were rounded up.
Evidence believed to be used in the crimes were seized and they include:
- Different mobile devices
- Bank cards
- SIM cards
- $2,760 in Cash
- Two Rolex watches with a combined value of $35,600
Charged in court
Subsequently on 18 Feb 2022, seven of the male suspects were charged in court for their alleged role in giving assistance to others to keep the proceeds from their crimes.
The penalties for the charges against them are a jail term of not more than 10 years, a fine of not more than $500,000 or both together.
These seven men are kept in remand for further investigations by SPF officers.
Investigations are still in progress for the remaining six suspects.
Public advisory
SPF has also advised the public to remain vigilant at all times and not to let third parties use their own bank accounts or phone lines as they will also be implicated into the crime should their bank accounts or lines be used in criminal activities.
They also said that all efforts will be expended by the SPF to establish the identities of anyone involved in scamming others and once they are caught, they will be dealt with firmly and lawfully.
Image source: Singapore Police Force