15-year-old among 303 being investigated for scams, money mule operations

A 15-year-old is among 303 people being investigated on suspicion that they may be involved in a host of scams and money mule operations that cost their victims over $9 million, police said on March 7.

The suspects - 207 men and 96 women - were found during a two-week operation from Feb 21 to March 6 by the Commercial Affairs Department and seven police land divisions. The oldest suspect is 77 years old.

They are believed to be involved in more than 1,200 cases that mostly involve investment, jobs and e-commerce scams, as well as impersonation of government officials and others.

They are being investigated for alleged cheating, money laundering, or providing payment services without a licence.

Those found guilty of cheating can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

Money laundering, drug trafficking and other serious crimes, meanwhile, carry a prison term of up to 10 years, a fine of $500,000, or both.

Those carrying on a business to provide any type of payment service in Singapore without a licence face a fine of up to $125,000, a prison term of up to three years, or both.

"To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank accounts or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes," police said.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield helpline on 1799.

Anyone with information on such scams may call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.