Latest news with #AntiScamCommand
Malay Mail
12-06-2025
- Malay Mail
Cops: 49 probed, S$200,000 seized in Singapore-wide bust over crypto-linked laundering
SINGAPORE, June 12 — Singapore police are investigating 49 individuals suspected of being involved in money laundering activities using cryptocurrency accounts, following a recent island-wide crackdown. According to The Straits Times, the group, made up of 35 men and 14 women aged between 18 and 58, was rounded up during a series of operations conducted between May 13 and 30 by the Anti-Scam Command. Officers were supported by digital payments platform StraitsX, which helped flag suspicious activity. Over S$200,000 (RM660,000) has been seized so far. Preliminary findings suggest the suspects may have sold access to their cryptocurrency accounts or Singpass credentials for payments ranging from S$400 to S$3,000. Contact was often initiated via messaging apps such as Telegram or WhatsApp, through which unknown parties instructed them on how to proceed. These instructions reportedly included submitting screenshots, personal details, and login access, which were then exploited to channel proceeds from scams. In a statement today, police said their partnership with StraitsX 'enhanced capabilities to detect suspicious financial activities', ultimately leading to the identification of those under investigation. Authorities reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to money laundering. 'Anyone who allows their personal bank accounts or cryptocurrency accounts to be used to receive and transfer money or cryptocurrency for others will be held accountable if these transactions are linked to crimes,' police warned. They urged the public to be wary of offers that promise fast, easy money in exchange for the use of personal accounts and to reject such requests outright. Under Singapore law, those found guilty of helping someone retain benefits from criminal conduct can face up to three years in jail, a fine of up to S$50,000, or both.
Malay Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Global anti-scam blitz: 106 nabbed, S$7.7m seized in Singapore; Malaysia among seven countries in joint operation
SINGAPORE, June 5 — A month-long transnational anti-scam operation involving seven territories led to the arrest of over 1,800 people, including 106 in Singapore, and the seizure of more than S$7.69 million (RM25 million) locally, police said. Conducted from April 28 to May 28, the operation involved collaboration between Singapore's Anti-Scam Command and agencies in Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand, and Macau, according to a report in The Straits Times today. Those arrested in Singapore were linked to over 1,300 scam cases, which resulted in losses of about S$39.3 million, the Singapore Police Force said. In total, more than 33,900 people aged between 14 and 81 were investigated across all participating territories for involvement in over 9,200 scam cases, with victims reporting losses exceeding S$289 million. In total, more than 33,900 people aged between 14 and 81 were investigated across all participating territories for involvement in over 9,200 scam cases, with victims reporting losses exceeding S$289 million. — Singapore Police Force pic The scam types targeted included government official impersonation, investment scams, rental scams, internet love scams, friend impersonation scams, job scams, and e-commerce scams. Singaporean suspects are being investigated for offences such as abetting cheating, unauthorised computer access, assisting in criminal conduct, and unlawful disclosure of passwords or access codes tied to national digital identity services. Director of the Commercial Affairs Department David Chew said the joint operation underscores the need for a unified global response to tackle increasingly sophisticated scam syndicates. He highlighted the role of Operation Frontier+, a cross-border anti-scam platform launched in October 2024 that now includes 10 jurisdictions, in enhancing intelligence-sharing and coordinated enforcement. Chew added that the initiative is working to expand its network to improve global enforcement efforts and ensure scammers have no safe haven.
