12 men, 3 women accused of giving up Singpass, bank accounts for scams causing $8.8m in losses
Fifteen people, aged between 18 and 35, will be charged in court from Oct 1 to 3 for their suspected involvement in scam-related money mule activities.
The 12 men and three women are believed to be linked to scams such as the government officials impersonation scam (GOIS), bank officer impersonation scam (BOIS), friend impersonation scam (FIS), job scams, e-commerce scams, fake buyer scams and loan scams, which accounted for more than $8.8 million in losses.
Investigations found that the 15 individuals had allegedly sold or handed over their bank accounts and/or Singpass credentials, enabling criminal syndicates to launder money.
Some are said to have cheated banks into opening accounts and then handed over their internet banking credentials to unknown persons.
Others allegedly disclosed their Singpass credentials unlawfully, allowing syndicates to misuse their identities to open bank accounts.
One individual also allegedly assisted in making ATM cash withdrawals from several accounts.
The offences include cheating, abetment to cheating, assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct, abetting unauthorised access to computer material and the unlawful disclosure of Singpass credentials.
Those found guilty of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871 face up to 10 years' jail and a fine, while cheating under Section 417 carries up to three years' jail, a fine, or both.
Assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 carries up to three years' jail, a fine, or both.
Facilitating unauthorised access to computer material under the Computer Misuse Act 1993 carries up to two years' jail, a fine, or both, for a first conviction.
Unlawful disclosure of Singpass credentials under Section 8A(1) of the Computer Misuse Act 1993 carries up to three years' jail, a fine, or both.
The police said they take a serious view of such offences and will not hesitate to take action against those involved in scams.
They reminded members of the public to reject money-making opportunities that promise quick payouts in exchange for the use of their Singpass or bank accounts, adding that individuals will be held accountable if found to be linked to such crimes.
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