15yo teen among 295 investigated in Singapore anti-scam crackdown over S$5 million losses
A 15-year-old is among 295 people under investigation after a two-week anti-scam operation linked suspects to more than 750 scam cases involving losses exceeding S$5 million.
- Police investigated 295 suspects linked to over 750 scam cases involving more than S$5 million in losses.
- The suspects include a 15-year-old and are believed to have acted as scammers or money mules.
- Authorities warned that scam-linked individuals may face banking and mobile line restrictions under new measures.
Singapore police are investigating 295 people, including a 15-year-old teenager, for their suspected involvement in scam activities linked to reported losses exceeding S$5 million.
The suspects comprise 191 men and 104 women aged between 15 and 76.
Authorities said they are believed to be connected to more than 750 scam cases uncovered during a nationwide anti-scam operation conducted between 7 May 2026 and 20 May 2026.
The operation was led by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department alongside the seven Police Land Divisions.
Police said the cases mainly involved e-commerce scams, friend impersonation scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, investment scams and rental scams.
Authorities believe some of those under investigation acted directly as scammers, while others allegedly served as money mules to facilitate the movement of criminal proceeds.
Investigations into cheating and money laundering offences
In a statement issued on 21 May 2026, police said the individuals are assisting with investigations for alleged offences including cheating, money laundering and providing payment services without a licence.
Under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871, the offence of cheating carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.
Police added that money laundering offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 carry penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
Those found to have operated payment service businesses without a licence under the Payment Services Act 2019 may face fines of up to S$125,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The authorities did not disclose how many of the suspects were allegedly involved in each category of scam.
Mandatory caning laws highlighted
Police also highlighted tougher anti-scam penalties introduced at the end of 2025.
“With effect from 30 December 2025, scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates will face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, which can go up to 24 strokes,” the statement said.
The authorities added that scam mules involved in laundering proceeds, supplying SIM cards or providing Singpass credentials could face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
The offences include certain money laundering offences under existing criminal legislation, Singpass-related offences under the Computer Misuse Act and SIM card offences under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.
Banking and mobile restrictions possible
Police warned that individuals linked to scam-related offences could also face restrictions under Singapore’s Facility Restriction Framework.
The framework allows authorities to impose limitations on banking services and mobile line subscriptions for individuals assessed to be at risk of facilitating scams.
The restrictions may apply to individuals under investigation, as well as those who have been warned, issued composition sums, prosecuted or convicted for mule-related offences.
“The Police would like to remind members of the public that anyone found to be linked to such crimes will be held accountable,” the statement said.
Authorities urge public vigilance
Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant against scam attempts and to seek assistance through official anti-scam channels.
Members of the public can obtain scam-related information through ScamShield or contact the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
Anyone with information related to scams may also contact the Police Hotline or submit information through the police i-Witness platform.
Authorities said all information provided would be kept strictly confidential.
3,018 arrested in cross-border anti-scam crackdown linked to US$752m fraud across 10 territories
Earlier, police also revealed that a two-month anti-scam operation involving 10 territories led to 3,018 arrests and investigations into 7,553 people linked to scams worth about US$752 million.
Authorities froze nearly 102,000 bank accounts and seized more than US$161 million in illicit funds, targeting scams such as investment, e-commerce, impersonation and job fraud.
Singapore police uncovered several major cross-border fraud and money-laundering networks, including a US$36.3 million impersonation scam and a US$6.6 million business e-mail compromise case, recovering large portions of the stolen funds with help from Hong Kong, Dubai and Oman authorities.
Joint operations with Malaysian police also dismantled syndicates in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, resulting in multiple arrests and seizures of phones, bank tokens and scam-related equipment.
According to data released in February 2026 by the Singapore Police Force, 37,308 scam cases were reported in 2025, down from 51,501 in 2024.
This contributed to a 24.8 per cent decline in total scam and cybercrime cases, which fell to 41,974.
However, scams remained the primary driver, accounting for 88.9 per cent of cases.
Total financial losses also declined by 17.9 per cent, from S$1.124 billion in 2024 to approximately S$913.1 million in 2025.
