221 Under Investigation as Scam Losses Cross RM28 Million in Two Weeks

Singapore authorities have concluded a major anti-scam enforcement operation that resulted in 221 individuals being placed under investigation for their alleged roles in a wide range of fraudulent schemes. The operation ran from 21 May to 3 June 2026, and police confirmed that the suspects are linked to more than 658 reported scam cases in which victims collectively lost in excess of S$9 million (about RM28 million).

The suspects range in age from 15 to 81 years old, comprising 149 men and 72 women. They are being investigated for alleged involvement either as active scammers or as money mules, the individuals who facilitate the movement of illegal funds through their bank accounts. The offences being investigated include cheating, money laundering, and providing payment services without a valid licence.

The bulk of cases uncovered during the operation involved some of the most common forms of scam activity seen across Southeast Asia today, including e-commerce fraud, friend impersonation scams, job scams, government official impersonation, investment fraud, and rental scams. The breadth of these categories reflects how extensively scam syndicates have diversified their approaches to target different segments of the population.

Penalties for those found guilty are severe. Convictions for cheating

carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine. Money laundering offences can result in imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both. Individuals convicted of offering payment services without a licence face up to three years in prison and fines reaching S$125,000.

Singapore has also recently toughened its stance on scam involvement at the legislative level. Since 30 December 2025, those convicted of direct scam activity now face mandatory caning of between six and 24 strokes. Money mules who assist syndicates by laundering proceeds, supplying SIM cards, or providing Singpass credentials are subject to discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.

Beyond criminal prosecution, individuals connected to these offences, whether under investigation, previously warned, or already convicted, may face restrictions on their banking services and mobile line subscriptions. Police reiterated that anyone with information relating to scam activity is encouraged to contact the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit a tip online through the official police portal. All information submitted will be treated confidentially.