$7.5m in losses: 254 scammers and money mules under police probe
Two hundred and fifty-four individuals believed to be scammers and money mules are being investigated following a island-wide enforcement operation, the police said on Thursday (Sept 10).They consist of 151 men and 103 women, aged between 15 and 79, and are assisting with investigations following the operation that took place between Aug 27 and Sept 9.Over 652 cases, including e-commerce and government official impersonation scams, are linked to them.In total, victims have reportedly lost around $7.5 million, the police said.These individuals are being investigated for the offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence. If found guilty of cheating, they may face jail for up to 10 years and a fine.For money laundering, those found guilty may be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $500,000.The offence of carrying on a business to provide any type of payment service in Singapore without a licence carries a fine of up to $125,000 and jail for up to three years.