271 individuals, aged 16 to 81, below investigation for scams involving $5.3m

SINGAPORE – The police are investigating 271 people suspected of being the perpetrators or money mules of scams which reported cheated victims of over $5.3 million. 

(*16*) comes after an operation from Jan 13 to 26 carried out by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions, said the police on Thursday.

An entire of 184 males and 87 women, aged between 16 and 81, are believed to be involved in extra than 950 circumstances of scams. They had been primarily phishing, e-commerce, job, net love, funding and authorities officers impersonation scams. 

The suspects are being investigated for dishonest, money laundering or providing charge suppliers and never utilizing a licence.

Those convicted of dishonest may face a jail time interval of as a lot as 10 years and a efficient, whereas money laundering carries a jail time interval not exceeding 10 years, a efficient not exceeding $500,000, or every.

Meanwhile, these providing charge suppliers and never utilizing a licence could possibly be fined as a lot as $125,000, jailed for as a lot as three years, or every.

The police said they take a essential stance in the direction of any individuals who may be involved in scams.

“To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank account or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes,” said the police.

(*16*) article was first printed in The Straits Times. Permission required for copy.