20 arrested for illegal remote betting operations, 70 related bank accounts frozen

A total of 19 men and one woman, aged between 24 and 78, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in conducting unlawful remote betting operations.

In an operation conducted on Tuesday (Dec 6), police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Police Intelligence Department, and Special Operations Command mounted simultaneous raids at multiple locations island-wide, resulting in the arrests.

These locations include Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bukit Batok, Punggol, Serangoon and Tampines.

Cash of more than $118,000 and electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones, as well as gambling-related documents were seized during the operation.

The police also froze 70 related bank accounts for investigations and to prevent dissipation of suspected criminal proceeds.

Three men, aged between 26 and 40, will be charged in court on Wednesday with offences under the Gambling Control Act 2022 and the police will seek a court order to remand them for further investigations.

Under Section 18(2) of the Gambling Control Act 2022, any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an operator shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500,000 and shall also be punished with up to seven years in jail.

Under Section 18(3) of the Gambling Control Act 2022, any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an agent shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $200,000 and shall also be punished with up to five years in jail.

Under Section 20(3) of the Gambling Control Act 2022, any person who gambles with an unlawful gambling service provider shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

The police said they will continue to clamp down on criminal activities, such as those conducting unlawful remote betting operations.

They added: "Those found engaging in illicit activities will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law. Members of the public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling activities."