Two men and one woman give up their bank accounts to criminal syndicates

Two men and one woman will be charged in court on May 10 for their suspected involvement in several offences connected to money mule activities.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the three people allegedly gave up their bank accounts to criminal syndicates, the police said in a statement.

A 20-year-old man purportedly cheated the bank into opening a bank account and relinquishing his iBanking credentials to the syndicate for $600.

He will be charged with abetting by conspiracy to commit cheating and abetting to secure unauthorised access to computer material.

A 28-year-old man and 22-year-old woman allegedly relinquished their bank accounts and iBanking credentials to criminal syndicates and will be charged with abetting to secure unauthorised access to computer material.

The offence of abetting by conspiracy to cheat the bank into opening bank accounts carries a jail term of up to three years, a fine, or both. The offence of abetting to secure unauthorised access to the bank’s computer system carries a fine of up to $5,000, up to two years' jail, or both, for a first-time offender.

The police said they take a serious view of these offences and will not hesitate to take action against individuals who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

"To avoid being an accomplice in these crimes, members of the public should always reject seemingly attractive money-making opportunities promising fast and easy pay-outs for the use of their Singpass accounts, bank accounts, or allow their personal bank accounts to be used to receive and transfer money for others," the police said.

They also reminded members of the public that individuals will be held accountable if they are found to be linked to such crimes.

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

Anyone with information on such scams may call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

All information will be kept strictly confidential.