Victims lose $5.2 million to scams linked to 648 cases; 259 under investigation
The police are investigating 259 people who allegedly acted as scammers or money mules.The 181 men and 78 women, aged between 16 and 82, were identified during a two-week police operation conducted between Sept 10 and 23, said the police on Thursday (Sept 24).According to preliminary investigations, the suspects are involved in over 648 cases of scams, with victims collectively losing around $5.2 million.They are being investigated for alleged offences of cheating, money laundering and providing payment services without a licence, police said.For cheating, a person can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined. Money laundering carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.Providing payment services in Singapore without a licence carries a fine of up to $125,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.Scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates will also face mandatory caning of at least six strokes to 24 strokes.Scam mules who launder scam proceeds or provide SIM cards and Singpass credentials may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.