$500k seized and 180 bank accounts frozen, 147 investigated for enabling money laundering
An islandwide operation by the Anti-Scam Command (ASCom) and local banks has led to investigations into 147 people and the freezing of more than 180 bank accounts linked to scams. Over $486,000 in suspected criminal proceeds was also seized.
The three-week operation, conducted between Sept 29 and Oct 24, targeted individuals suspected of involvement in government official impersonation scams, investment scams, and job scams - three of the top five scam types by amount lost in the first half of the year.
Those investigated include 95 men and 52 women, aged between 16 and 76, for allegedly relinquishing their bank accounts to scam syndicates. They are being investigated for offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 and the Computer Misuse Act 1993.
The police said they also worked closely with major industry partners, including media companies, messaging platforms and telcos, to disrupt more than 920 online enablers and terminate over 1,140 phone lines linked to scams.
The offence of assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct carries a jail term of up to three years, a fine of up to $50,000, or both. Facilitating unauthorised access to computer material carries a jail term of up to two years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both for a first conviction.
The police reminded the public to reject requests to use their Singpass credentials, bank accounts or mobile lines, warning that those who do so will be held accountable for their misuse.
They also encouraged members of the public to "ACT" against scams:
- ADD security features such as ScamShield and two-factor authentication.
- CHECK for signs of scams and verify before sharing information or transferring money.
- TELL the authorities and others about scams and report suspicious pages or activities.
For more information, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
