On March 5, 2025, a coordinated operation by the Singapore Police Force led to the arrest of two men, aged 30 and 58, in connection with the fraudulent registration of prepaid SIM cards. The operation targeted three mobile phone shops, namely ARS Digital World Pte Ltd, Univercell Mobiles Technology, and Icares Mobile Services, located in Serangoon and Woodlands. In total, ten individuals, including seven men and one woman aged between 27 and 50, are currently assisting the police with their investigations.
Details of the Operation
The raids were conducted by the Unlicensed Moneylending Strikeforce from the Criminal Investigation Department, focusing on mobile phone retailers and their employees suspected of engaging in illegal activities. Preliminary investigations indicated that the arrested individuals allegedly misused personal information from legitimate customers to pre-register additional prepaid SIM cards without consent. During the operation, law enforcement officials seized a variety of mobile phones, registration documents, and SIM cards, which are now part of the ongoing investigation.
Legal Implications
The ten individuals are being investigated for several serious offences, including:
- Illegally Obtaining Personal Information: Under Section 416A of the Penal Code 1871, this offence carries a penalty of up to $10,000 in fines, a maximum of three years in prison, or both.
- Unauthorized Modification of Computer Material: According to Section 5(1) of the Computer Misuse Act 1993, offenders may face similar penalties of fines and imprisonment.
- Facilitating Fraudulent SIM Card Registrations: Under Section 39G(1) and 39G(2)(a) of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906, those found guilty could also incur fines and imprisonment.
The police have emphasized their commitment to tackling these offences, highlighting the serious implications of enabling criminal syndicates to exploit local SIM cards and eSIMs. Such illicit activities often serve as anonymous channels for unlicensed moneylending, scams, and other forms of vice.
Public Awareness and Reporting
In light of these developments, the police urge the public to remain vigilant regarding the misuse of SIM cards. For more information on this issue, individuals can visit the Singapore Police Force’s official advisory page at www.police.gov.sg/Advisories/Crime/Misuse-of-SIM-Card-Offences. The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to fraudulent SIM card registrations, unlicensed moneylending, scams, or other criminal activities by calling the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submitting information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
The recent arrests serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to maintain the integrity of communication channels in Singapore and to protect citizens from the risks associated with fraudulent activities.