In recent days, there is an increase in reports of people falling into the traps of online scams. It is reported that in the first half of August 2020, 313 individuals were arrested for their suspected involvement in scams, money laundering and unlicensed money lending activities.
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According to the police, they had conducted an operation between 03 Aug to 14 Aug 2020. A total of 220 men and 93 women aged between 16 to 76 were arrested for various offences.
Break Down
- 78 investigated for e-commerce scams and money laundering amounting $1.24 million
- 226 investigated loan scams and loansharks activities involving $296,000
- 4 investigated for cheating and criminal breach of trust
- 34 investigated for offences under the Moneylenders Act
The police advise the members of the public to reject any request by others to use your bank accounts or mobile line as it might turn out to be for illegal purposes.
Punishment:
Assisting in money lending activities
- First-time offenders fined up to $300,000, jailed up to 4 years with 6 strokes of the cane
- Second-time offenders fined up to $300,000, jailed up to 7 years with 12 strokes of the cane
Cheating
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- up to 10 years of jail and fined.
Criminal breach of trust
- up to 7 years of jail, fined or both