Singapore police arrest six in nationwide crackdown on illegal remote gambling

Singapore’s police have arrested six people and seized more than S$70,000 in cash during coordinated raids against an alleged illegal horse and lottery betting syndicate operating across multiple neighbourhoods.

Singapore.- Authorities have arrested six suspects following a nationwide enforcement operation targeting illegal remote gambling activities, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has confirmed. The suspects – five men and one woman aged between 32 and 65 – were detained on 15 January during simultaneous raids at multiple locations including Boon Lay Avenue, Tengah Drive, Pandan Gardens, Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, and Jurong West Streets 91 and 93.

According to an SPF statement, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Police Intelligence Department and Special Operations Command seized more than S$70,000 (about US$54,000) in cash, along with computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices, as well as gambling-related paraphernalia. All items have been retained as case exhibits while investigations continue.

Preliminary findings indicate that the six individuals were involved in unlawful remote gambling operations focusing on illegal horse betting and lottery betting. They are being investigated under the Gambling Control Act 2022, Singapore’s updated framework for land-based and online gambling enforcement.

Under the Act, anyone found guilty of conducting an unlawful betting operation as an operator faces up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to S$500,000, while agents can be fined up to S$200,000 and jailed for up to seven years. Customers who gamble with unlicensed providers can face fines of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

The SPF said it will “continue to take firm enforcement action” against those involved in illegal gambling or who act as criminal enablers for such operations, and urged members of the public to steer clear of all unlawful betting services. Individuals seeking help for gambling-related problems can contact the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline.