10 investigated for illegal horse betting activities, breaching safe distancing measures

Nine men and one woman, aged between 58 and 79, are being investigated for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities and for allegedly not complying with safe distancing measures (SDM).

The police said in a statement on Tuesday (Aug 31) that officers from Woodlands Police Division conducted enforcement operations along Yishun Avenue 5 on Aug 29.

"A 72-year-old man is being investigated for his suspected involvement as bookmaker while eight men and a woman, aged between 58 and 79, are being investigated for allegedly betting with bookmakers," the police said.

In addition, the woman is also being investigated for an offence under the Remote Gambling Act.

More than $1,700 in cash, two mobile phones and betting paraphernalia were seized. Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone found guilty of bookmaking faces a fine of between $20,000 and $200,000, and a jail term of up to five years.

The offence of betting with a bookmaker carries a fine of up to $5,000 or up to six months' jail, or both. A person convicted of unlawful remote gambling can be fined up to $5,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both.

Those who breach safe distancing measures can be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both.