Singapore police probe 30 suspects in illegal online gambling investigation

Singapore’s police have launched investigations into 30 individuals suspected of illegal online gambling activities and the related misuse of bank accounts, following a week-long enforcement operation in late May. 

The operation, aimed at curbing unlawful gambling and financial crimes linked to it, led to the identification or arrest of 21 men and nine women, aged between 17 and 79 years old, police announced on Thursday.

Investigation

The Criminal Investigation Department’s Specialised Crime Branch conducted the probe between 21 and 29 May. Authorities have frozen approximately S$19,000 (US14,000) in suspected illicit proceeds derived from these activities.

Five individuals are suspected of placing bets with unlicensed online gambling operators. These suspects allegedly funnelled money through bank accounts controlled by criminal syndicates. They face investigations under Section 20 of the Gambling Control Act 2022, which stipulates penalties up to S$10,000 in fines and/or imprisonment for up to six months for engaging with unlawful gambling providers.

The other 25 suspects are suspected of selling or surrendering control of personal or corporate bank accounts to syndicates. Some accused parties reportedly misled banks to open accounts and subsequently handed over account credentials to unknown third parties. 

These actions are under investigation for violations of several laws, including the Computer Misuse Act 1993, the Penal Code, and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992.

Legal implications

Potential charges outlined by the authorities include:

• Unauthorised Access and Identity Disclosure: Under the Computer Misuse Act, offences such as unauthorised access to or disclosure of national digital identity credentials (Singpass) carry penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and/or fines.
• Cheating: Offences under the Penal Code, involving deception or fraud, may lead to a maximum of three years’ imprisonment and/or fines.
• Money Laundering: Under the Confiscation of Benefits Act, money laundering can lead to sentences of up to 10 years and fines as high as S$500,000 (US$387,000).

As of the police statement’s publication, it remains unclear whether any formal charges have been brought against the suspects.

Enforcement environment

In recent years, Singapore has strengthened its regulatory framework around gambling, notably through the Gambling Control Act 2022, aimed at curbing the influence of offshore online gambling operators targeting residents. 

Despite banning Polymarket in 2024, the Singapore government has seen a surge in wagering on the platform recently. Users trying to access Polymarket were informed that they were acting in violation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). Penalties included fines of up to S$10,000, six months in jail or both. 

The police have cautioned the public against transferring control of personal or corporate bank accounts to others. They urged individuals to report any suspicious access attempts immediately. They also reiterated the availability of support resources for problem gambling through the National Council on Problem Gambling.