Uncovering an illegal betting network: a joint operation between Malaysian and Singaporean police

A joint operation led by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) has uncovered a transnational illegal betting network. During the operation, carried out from June 30 to July 1, 2024, 41 men and two women aged between 34 and 82 were arrested. These individuals are suspected of participating in a criminal organization engaged in illegal online betting operations.

The operation included the participation of various SPF units such as the Criminal Investigations Directorate, the Police Intelligence Directorate, the Special Operations Command and ground units. The raids were carried out simultaneously in Singapore and Malaysia. In Singapore, 37 men and two women were arrested, while in Malaysia, officers from the Royal Police Criminal Investigation Department detained four Singaporeans.

During the investigation, seven properties with a total value of S$10.7 million (US$7 million) were seized. In addition, cash, jewelry, luxury watches and more than 40 bank accounts worth S$4 million (US$2.9 million) were confiscated. Computers, mobile phones and gambling paraphernalia used in illegal activities were also seized.

Of the suspects arrested, eight men and one woman will be charged under the Gambling Control Act 2022. Further investigations are ongoing in relation to the remaining detainees, aimed at fully uncovering the scale and structure of the criminal network.

Amid increasing incidents of illegal transactions, Singapore recently lowered its due diligence deposit threshold from S$5,000 to S$4,000 to strengthen its anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing measures. The change was introduced after research revealed the casino sector's vulnerability to such crimes.

The discovery of an illegal betting network was a significant step in the fight against transnational criminal organizations involved in online gambling. The joint police operation between Singapore and Malaysia demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in combating illegal financial transactions and ensuring the safety of citizens.