90-year-old among 113 investigated for illegal horse-betting after island-wide raids over 2 weeks
A total of 103 men and 10 women, aged between 47 and 90, are being investigated for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities after a series of island-wide operations between April 27 and May 11.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police Land Divisions carried out raids at multiple locations including King George's Avenue, Banda Street, Bukit Merah, Bukit Purmei Road, Jurong East, Toa Payoh, Tampines, Circuit Road, Upper Boon Keng, Aljunied, Eunos, Jurong West, Yishun, Marsiling and Bukit Batok.
Cash amounting to more than $60,000, and an array of mobile phones and horse betting paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits.
The 113 people are believed to have been involved in various roles such as illegal bookmarkers, runners as well as punters. They are investigated for offences under the Gambling Control Act.
Any person who gambles with an unlawful gambling service provider shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.
For conducting an unlawful betting operation, the operator shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.
Any person found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an agent shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $200,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
