SINGAPORE — Singapore police are investigating 259 people allegedly linked to more than 648 scam cases in which victims lost around S$5.2 million, in another islandwide enforcement operation targeting suspected scammers and money mules.
The two-week operation ran from Sept. 10 to Sept. 23, involving officers from the Singapore Police Force’s Cyber Command and all seven Police Land Divisions.
Police said the suspects comprise 181 men and 78 women, aged between 16 and 82.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the cases involved several major scam categories, including e-commerce fraud, phishing, job scams, government-official impersonation, investment scams and lucky-draw schemes.
Suspects investigated as scammers or money mules
The 259 individuals are being investigated for alleged offences including cheating, money laundering and providing payment services without a licence.
Police stressed that investigations are ongoing.
The operation reflects Singapore’s continued focus on disrupting not only people directly involved in scams but also individuals allegedly helping criminal networks move or facilitate illicit funds.
Money mules can play a crucial role in scam operations by allowing their bank accounts, mobile lines or other credentials to be used to receive or transfer criminal proceeds.
Authorities target the wider scam network
Singapore has increasingly taken action against the infrastructure supporting scam syndicates.
Under the country’s Facility Restriction Framework, individuals involved in mule-related offences may face restrictions on banking services and mobile-line subscriptions.
The framework can apply at different stages, including where individuals are under investigation and assessed to be at risk, as well as after warnings, prosecution or conviction.
Police said the measures are intended to prevent individuals from continuing to facilitate scams.
Serious penalties can apply
Singapore’s laws provide substantial penalties for people convicted of scam-related offences.
Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code can carry up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine.
Those convicted of certain money-laundering offences can face imprisonment, fines or both, while operating a payment service without the required licence can also result in criminal penalties.
Singapore also has mandatory caning provisions for certain offences involving scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates.
Police said convicted scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates can face between six and 24 strokes, while certain scam mules involved in specified offences may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
Scam losses remain a major concern
The latest operation comes against the backdrop of Singapore’s continuing battle against scams.
According to the Singapore Police Force’s 2025 Annual Scam and Cybercrime Brief, 37,308 scam cases were recorded in 2025, with victims losing about S$913.1 million.
Although both the number of scam cases and total losses declined from 2024, authorities have continued warning that scams remain a significant threat.
A previous two-week police operation announced on Sept. 10 involved 254 people allegedly connected to more than 652 scams, with reported losses of approximately S$7.5 million.
The latest operation therefore highlights how quickly scam investigations can involve hundreds of suspected participants and hundreds of separate cases.
Police urge public to report suspicious activity
Authorities are reminding the public to remain cautious when receiving unexpected messages, calls or online offers involving money, personal information or account access.
Singapore’s ScamShield service provides information and assistance relating to scams, while members of the public can provide information to police through official reporting channels.
The latest investigation remains ongoing, and the 259 people have not been convicted simply because they are under investigation.
For Singapore authorities, the operation sends a broader message: tackling scams increasingly involves tracing the people and financial channels allegedly supporting scam networks, not only identifying the individuals who communicate directly with victims.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
