Singapore Police Crack Down on Scams: $1.9M Seized, 25 Arrested

Singapore police have arrested 25 individuals and are investigating 65 others following a sweeping anti-scam operation conducted in collaboration with local banks. The operation, which ran from mid-February to early March, targeted scams involving government official impersonation, investment fraud, and job scams. Authorities also seized approximately $1.9 million in suspected scam proceeds during the crackdown.

In a press statement on March 22, the police revealed that over 300 bank accounts linked to illegal fund movements were identified and frozen. Raids were carried out across the island to apprehend suspects who allegedly handed over their bank accounts to scammers for money laundering purposes. Among those arrested were five women and 20 men, aged between 18 and 40.

The operation also saw close cooperation with social media and telecommunications companies to disrupt more than 1,300 online scam enablers and terminate over 1,700 phone lines tied to fraudulent activities.

Scam losses in Singapore hit a record high of $1.1 billion in 2024, with government official impersonation, investment, and job scams accounting for more than half of the total. In these scams, fraudsters typically contact victims through compromised phone lines or messaging platforms, convincing them to transfer funds to bank accounts or cryptocurrency wallets controlled by scammers.

To avoid becoming an accomplice to such crimes, the public is urged to reject any requests to share Singpass credentials, bank accounts, or mobile lines. Additionally, individuals are advised to exercise caution when making investment decisions. Legitimate investment companies will never ask investors to transfer funds to personal bank accounts or use group chats to promote investment products.

This operation underscores the importance of vigilance and collaboration in combating the rising threat of scams globally.