53 investigated for illegal horse-betting activities in island-wide raids, including 84-year-old

Police are investigating 52 men and one woman, aged between 49 and 84, for their suspected involvement in illegal horse-betting activities after an island-wide operation between Sept 21 and 28.

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven police land divisions conducted raids at multiple locations, including Ang Mo Kio, Bendemeer, Beo Crescent, Geylang, Jalan Bukit Merah, Jurong West, Toa Payoh, Upper Boon Keng and Woodlands.

Cash amounting to more than $31,000, and an array of mobile phones, pens and documents such as betting records, were seized.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 53 suspects are believed to have been involved in various roles such as illegal bookmakers, runners as well as punters.

Investigations against the suspects are ongoing.

Any person who gambles with an unlawful gambling service provider shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

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 imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.

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 imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.