Teen among 31 under probe in illegal gambling crackdown
Investigations are ongoing.
A total of 31 people are under police investigation for suspected involvement in illegal gambling activities, including a 16-year-old - the youngest among them.
In an April 15 press release, the police said the 31 individuals - aged between 16 and 61 - had allegedly conducted or facilitated illegal betting operations, or gambled with unlawful operators.
The investigations follow a series of enforcement operations carried out between March 26 and April 11 by officers from the Specialised Crime Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department.
Of the 31, 11 individuals allegedly surrendered control of their personal bank accounts to illegal gambling syndicates to enable fund transfers for illegal gambling activities.
They also allegedly made false claims to banks by affirming that their accounts would be used for legitimate purposes.
These suspects are now being investigated for offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1993 and the Penal Code 1871.
If found guilty, they could face a fine of up to $5,000, jail of up to two years, or both (under the Computer Misuse Act); and a jail term of up to three years, a fine, or both (under the Penal Code for cheating).
Meanwhile, 17 others allegedly used illegal gambling websites or mobile apps, transferring money to accounts controlled by the syndicates.
Another three suspects are believed to have acted as agents, collecting illegal lottery bets on behalf of the groups.
They are being investigated under the Gambling Control Act 2022, which carries hefty penalties.
Individuals found to have acted as agents for unlawful betting operations may face fines of up to $200,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Those who gambled with illegal service providers may be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both.
The police maintained that tough enforcement action will be taken against those involved in illegal gambling activities, regardless of their roles.
"This includes taking actions against those who open or give away their bank accounts to aid illegal gambling activities."
It strongly advises members of the public to stay away from illegal gambling activities.
Just last month, the police raided an illegal gambling den at a Bukit Timah bungalow, arresting 62 gamblers between the ages of 18 and 73.