In the realm of law enforcement, few actions are as resounding as the issuance of Prohibition of Disposal Orders. In a recent operation that sent shockwaves through Singapore, more than 110 properties and 62 vehicles, collectively valued at over $1.242 billion, were slapped with these orders. Adding to the intrigue, a cache of bottles containing liquor, wine, and an assortment of precious ornaments was also seized. What’s striking about these orders is that they effectively prohibit the accused from selling any of these assets, creating a legal quagmire with far-reaching implications.
The Blitz of August 15: Unearthing Illicit Wealth
In response to media queries, the Police had conducted further operations in relation to the group of foreign nationals suspected to be involved in laundering the proceeds of their overseas organised crime activities, including scams and online gambling.Â
During these operations, additional assets were seized and issued with prohibition of disposal orders. To date, the total value of assets seized or issued with prohibition of disposal orders by the Police stands at more than S$2.4 billion. This includes:
- Seizures of bank accounts with a total estimated value of more than S$1,127 million, cash (including foreign currencies) amounting to more than S$76 million, 68 gold bars, 294 luxury bags, 164 luxury watches, 546 pieces of jewellery, cryptocurrencies of more than S$38 million, and 204 electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones; and
- Prohibition of disposal orders issued against more than 110 properties and 62 vehicles with a total estimated value of more than S$1,242 million, as well as bottles of liquor, wine and multiple ornaments.
Investigations are ongoing.
Backstory
On August 15, a dramatic sequence of events unfolded in Singapore as the police executed an islandwide operation involving more than 400 officers. Led by the Commercial Affairs Department, this operation targeted an array of high-end properties, including good class bungalows and luxury condominiums scattered across the city-state. The goal was simple yet monumental: to unearth and clamp down on ill-gotten wealth that had eluded authorities for far too long.
The Accused: A Diverse Cast of Characters
Following the blitz, the law enforcement agencies brought their net down on ten individuals. Among them were nine men and one woman, aged between 31 and 44 years old. What made this case even more intriguing was their origin. Originally hailing from China, they had since assumed various nationalities, further complicating the investigation. The charges against them ranged from money laundering to forgery and even resisting arrest, painting a picture of a complex and well-organized operation.
Image Source: Singapore Police Force