Victims lose $5.2 million to scams linked to 648 cases; 259 under investigation受害者在与648起案件相关的诈骗案中损失了520万美元；其中259起案件正在调查中。
The police are investigating 259 people who allegedly acted as scammers or money mules.The 181 men and 78 women, aged between 16 and 82, were identified during a two-week police operation conducted between Sept 10 and 23, said the police on Thursday (Sept 24).According to preliminary investigations, the suspects are involved in over 648 cases of scams, with victims collectively...
The police are investigating 259 people who allegedly acted as scammers or money mules.
The 181 men and 78 women, aged between 16 and 82, were identified during a two-week police operation conducted between Sept 10 and 23, said the police on Thursday (Sept 24).
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects are involved in over 648 cases of scams, with victims collectively losing around $5.2 million.
They are being investigated for alleged offences of cheating, money laundering and providing payment services without a licence, police said.
For cheating, a person can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined. Money laundering carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.
Providing payment services in Singapore without a licence carries a fine of up to $125,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.
Scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates will also face mandatory caning of at least six strokes to 24 strokes.
Scam mules who launder scam proceeds or provide SIM cards and Singpass credentials may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
"The Police would like to remind members of the public that anyone found to be linked to such crimes will be held accountable," it warned.
Under the Facility Restriction Framework, individuals involved in mule-related offences may face restrictions on banking services and mobile line subscriptions to prevent further facilitation of scams.
lim.kewei@asiaone.com
警方正在调查 259 名涉嫌从事诈骗或洗钱活动的人员。
警方周四（9月24日）表示，在9月10日至23日进行的为期两周的警方行动中，警方确认了181名男性和78名女性的身份，年龄介于16岁至82岁之间。
根据初步调查，嫌疑人涉嫌超过 648 起诈骗案件，受害者总共损失约 520 万美元。
警方表示，他们正因涉嫌欺诈、洗钱和无证提供支付服务等罪行接受调查。
诈骗罪最高可判处 10 年监禁并处罚金。洗钱罪最高可判处 10 年监禁，并处罚金最高 50 万美元，或两者并罚。
在新加坡，未经许可提供支付服务最高可处以 125,000 美元的罚款、三年监禁，或两者并罚。
诈骗犯、诈骗团伙成员或招募者也将面临至少六下至二十四下鞭刑。
洗钱或提供 SIM 卡和 Singpass 凭证的诈骗犯，可能会被酌情处以最高 12 下鞭刑。
警方警告说：“警方想提醒公众，任何被发现与此类犯罪有关联的人都将受到追究。”
根据《洗钱设施限制框架》，参与洗钱相关犯罪的个人可能会面临银行服务和手机线路订阅限制，以防止进一步协助诈骗活动。
lim.kewei@asiaone.com