Singapore police have launched investigations into 30 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal online gambling and related financial offences following a nationwide enforcement operation conducted between 21 and 29 May. Authorities say the investigation forms part of the country’s ongoing efforts to combat unlawful betting activities and the misuse of banking systems.
According to the Singapore Police Force, the suspects include 21 men and nine women aged between 17 and 79. Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department’s Specialised Crime Branch carried out the operation, targeting individuals believed to have participated in illegal online betting or helped gambling syndicates operate through personal and corporate bank accounts. More than S$19,000 in suspected criminal proceeds has been frozen during the investigation.
Police allege that five of the suspects placed bets with unlicensed online gambling operators and processed transactions through accounts linked to illegal gambling networks. One of those individuals is also suspected of surrendering control of a personal bank account or company entity to a gambling syndicate. The remaining 25 suspects are accused of selling or relinquishing access to personal or corporate bank accounts that were subsequently used by criminal organisations. Some allegedly provided false information to financial institutions when opening accounts before transferring control to third parties.
Those found guilty of gambling with unlicensed operators could face fines of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both under Singapore’s Gambling Control Act 2022. Individuals who hand over control of bank accounts for criminal purposes may also face charges under several laws, including the Computer Misuse Act and anti-money laundering legislation.
Singapore authorities reiterated that they take a strict approach toward illegal gambling and the facilitation of related criminal activities. Police also warned members of the public not to share Singpass credentials or bank account access with others, stressing that such actions can expose individuals to criminal liability and enable organised gambling networks to operate. Investigations into all 30 suspects remain ongoing.