SINGAPORE – A 15-year-old is among 268 people being investigated for their suspected roles in ruses linked to more than $4.66 million in losses, following a two-week operation by the police.
In a statement on Dec 4, the police said the group, allegedly involved in more than 800 scams, comprises 177 men and 91 women. The oldest assisting with investigations is 78.
The scams comprised mainly e-commerce scams, friend impersonation scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, investment scams and rental scams.
The individuals are being investigated for cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence, following the operation between Nov 21 and Dec 4.
Those found guilty of cheating can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.
Those convicted of money laundering face a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.
Those found guilty of carrying on a business to provide any type of payment service in Singapore without a licence can be fined up to $125,000, imprisoned for up to three years, or both.
Under the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill passed on Nov 4, scammers, and members and recruiters of scam syndicates will face
mandatory caning of at least six strokes
.
