SINGAPORE – In a sweeping crackdown on financial crime, Singapore authorities have arrested 24 people suspected of acting as “money mules” and facilitating scam operations that together resulted in more than S$3.1 million in losses, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced, as reported by The Straits Times. Sixteen men and eight women, aged between 16 and 51, are due to be charged in court between 2 and 6 February 2026 with a range of offences linked to scam-related money-laundering and fraud.
Police investigations revealed that many of the accused allegedly played active roles in helping criminal syndicates execute their schemes by selling or handing over their bank accounts, receiving and transferring illicit funds, or collecting cash taken from scam victims. Some even reportedly deceived banks into opening accounts that they then handed over to unknown third parties, giving criminals a foothold in Singapore’s financial system.
One individual allegedly unlawfully disclosed his Singpass credentials, enabling fraudsters to misuse his identity to open fraudulent bank accounts, while others were said to have helped to register SIM cards for syndicate use in exchange for money, a tactic that helps fraud groups contact victims and evade detection.
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The range of charges these 24 face is wide and serious, including abetting cheating, acquiring another person’s benefit from criminal proceeds, assisting others to retain benefits from criminal conduct, facilitating unauthorised access to computer systems, unlawful disclosure of passwords or access codes, and knowingly providing fraudulently registered post-paid SIM cards for financial gain. Each offence carries its own penalties, with potential terms of imprisonment, fines, or both under Singapore law.
Under Singapore’s strengthened anti-scam legal framework enacted from 30 December 2025, syndicate members and recruiters face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, which can extend up to 24 strokes for certain offences. Those who act as money mules — by laundering proceeds or otherwise abetting scams — may receive up to 12 discretionary strokes of the cane if convicted, in addition to other penalties. To further reduce the risk of repeat offending, individuals found involved in such crimes may also face restrictions on banking services and mobile phone subscriptions under the Facility Restriction Framework aimed at cutting off the tools criminals use to commit fraud.
Singapore’s proactive enforcement reflects ongoing efforts to tackle a wider surge in scams targeting residents — from job and e-commerce scams to impersonation and investment frauds — that collectively have led to hundreds of millions in losses in recent years. Authorities have underscored that using personal banking accounts, Singpass details or SIM cards to assist scammers can lead to severe legal consequences, and they continue to urge the public to remain vigilant against offers of “easy money” that could be fronts for criminal networks.
