On July 1st, according to Asia News Station, Singapore and Malaysia police in a cross-national joint operation successfully arrested an organized crime group suspected of illegal remote betting activities. According to a press release from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the operation led to the arrest of 43 suspects aged between 34 and 82.
The SPF press release noted that nine of the arrested individuals have been charged under the Gambling Control Act, while investigations into the remaining suspects are ongoing. The arrests took place from June 30th to July 1st, with multiple departments of the SPF conducting simultaneous raids at various locations, successfully arresting 37 men and 2 women. Meanwhile, Malaysian police also arrested 4 Singaporean men.
As part of the enforcement action, the SPF issued a prohibition order involving seven properties valued at over 10.7 million Singapore dollars (approximately 7.9 million US dollars). The police also seized nearly 4 million Singapore dollars (approximately 2.9 million US dollars) in cash, jewelry, luxury watches, and over 40 bank accounts to prevent the suspected criminal proceeds from being transferred or disappearing.
The police also seized a large number of computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices, as well as items related to gambling as evidence for the case.
The Director of the Criminal Investigation Department and Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation & Intelligence) of SPF, Zhang Weihan, stated: "SPF will continue to work with our partners to investigate and dismantle criminal groups, no matter where they operate."
Under the Gambling Control Act, agents found guilty of illegal betting operations could face fines up to 200,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 147,000 US dollars) and imprisonment for up to five years.
