93-year-old among 73 people investigated for illegal horse-betting activities, over $43k in cash seized
The police are investigating 70 men and 3 women, aged between 52 and 93, for their suspected involvement in illegal horse-betting activities after island-wide operations between Oct 30 and Nov 10.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police Land Divisions conducted raids in multiple locations including Banda Street, Telok Blangah Crescent, King George's Avenue, Smith Street, Teban Gardens Road, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Yishun, Aljunied Crescent, Eunos Crescent, Tampines, Marsiling Road and Boon Lay Place.
Cash amounting to more than $43,000, mobile phones and horse betting paraphernalia were seized.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the 73 people are believed to have been involved in various roles such as illegal bookmakers, runners, and punters.
This is the first major operation against illegal horse betting activities following the closure of Singapore Turf Club on Oct 5. Singapore Pools is the only legalised sports, lottery and horse-betting operator in Singapore.
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.
Any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an 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 who is 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.
