2 men and 2 women arrested for suspected money laundering of proceeds from love scams

Two men and two women, aged between 32 and 51, were arrested on Sept 22 for their suspected involvement in money laundering.

They are believed to have laundered parts of criminal proceeds from several scam victims and are alleged to be part of a syndicate involved in love scams, the police said in a statement

Their arrests prevented a further potential loss of at least $115,000 by a victim.

These arrests were a result of extensive investigations following the apprehension of other syndicate members in relation to criminal activities and scam cases.

These cases involved multiple victims, with losses amounting to at least $370,000 between August and September 2023.

Two other syndicate members, a 41-year-old man and a 58-year-old man, were charged in court on Sept 19 and Sept 22, respectively.

Three other syndicate members, a man and two women aged between 36 and 40, were also arrested between Sept 18 and 19, and are assisting with investigations.

Materials used in the commission of crimes, as well as recovered cash amounting to $80,600 and electronic devices from the syndicate members, were seized as case exhibits.

The 51-year-old man and 50-year-old woman will be charged with the offence of money laundering under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992.

If found guilty, they face a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.

The police have advised the public to exercise caution when befriending strangers online, never send money to people they do not know or have not met in person, never share their internet banking credentials or One Time Passwords, and reject requests to use their personal bank accounts to receive and transfer money for others.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688.

If you have any information relating to such crimes or if you are in doubt, call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

All information will be kept strictly confidential.