In a multinational joint operation, police from Singapore and Malaysia smashed a criminal syndicate involved in illegal remote betting. A total of 43 people aged between 34 and 82 were arrested for their alleged involvement, Channel NewsAsia reported.
According to a press release from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), nine suspects will be charged under the Gambling Control Act on July 2, while investigations into the others are continuing.
The operation took place from June 30 to July 1, with SPF officers conducting simultaneous raids and arresting 37 men and two women. Meanwhile, Malaysian police arrested four Singaporean men.
The SPF issued bans on seven properties worth more than 10.7 million Singapore dollars ($7.9 million). Cash, jewellery, luxury watches and more than 40 bank accounts totaling nearly 4 million Singapore dollars ($2.9 million) were seized to prevent the alleged proceeds of crime from being diverted.
Electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones, as well as gambling-related equipment, were taken away by the police as evidence in the case.
"The Singapore Police Force will continue to work with our partners to detect and dismantle criminal syndicates wherever they choose," said Teo Wei Han, Acting Deputy Commissioner (Investigation and Intelligence) and Director of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Singapore Police Force.
Individuals convicted of running an illegal gaming business could face fines of up to S$200,000 (US$147,288) and up to five years in prison.
