31 suspects including illegal bookmakers, runners and gamblers arrested, $15k cash seized

Twenty-seven men and four women, aged between 45 and 78, were arrested on Oct 7 for suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities.

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the six police land divisions conducted raids at multiple locations including, King George's Avenue, Teban Gardens Road, Whampoa Drive, Ang Mo Kio, Eunos and Boon Lay, resulting in the arrests. 

During the operation, cash amounting to about $15,000, mobile phones, pens, pagers and documents such as betting records were also seized.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 31 suspects are believed to have been involved in various roles, including illegal bookmakers, runners as well as gamblers.

Investigations against the suspects are ongoing.

Under the Betting Act, any person who bets with a bookmaker can be fined up to $5000 or jailed up to six months, or both.

Any person who is found to be involved in bookmaking can be fined $20,000 to $200,000 and imprisoned up to five years.

The police take a serious view against all forms of illegal betting activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action against those involved, regardless of their roles.

Members of the public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling activities.