Singapore authorities have detained over 30 individuals in a series of coordinated raids targeting illegal gambling and unlicensed moneylending operations, according to local news outlet CNA.
Ten suspects, ranging in age from 26 to 63, are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. They face charges related to remote gambling offenses and illegal moneylending activities. All but one of the accused are male.
Police seized more than S$770,000 (US$573,000) in cash during the raids, along with electronic devices, pre-paid cards, documents, and other evidence. Authorities also froze several bank accounts linked to the suspects.
The investigation uncovered multiple illegal activities, including providing unauthorized remote gambling services, operating or gambling in common gaming houses, and running an unlicensed moneylending syndicate.
Raids were carried out across various areas in Singapore, including Potong Pasir, Serangoon, Toa Payoh, Tampines, Bishan, Hougang, Pasir Ris, Punggol, Woodlands, Telok Blangah, Tanjong Pagar, and Bukit Batok.
Harsh Penalties for Offenders
If convicted, the accused could face fines and imprisonment of up to five years for each offense. Those found guilty of illegal moneylending may also receive up to six strokes of the cane, in addition to other penalties.
In a statement, the Singapore Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to combating criminal activity:
“The police will continue to take tough enforcement action and clamp down on criminal activities, including remote gambling and loansharking. Those found engaging in illicit activities will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.”
Legal Casino Recovery Still Years Away
Meanwhile, analysts from Bernstein predict that Singapore’s legal casino industry—comprising Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa—will take until 2026 to fully recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
The two integrated resorts suffered major losses during the pandemic. While gross gaming revenue (GGR) was projected to grow 12% in 2021 to approximately $940 million, and to $1.36 billion in 2022, that remains far from the $1.9 billion achieved in 2019.
Marina Bay Sands, once the world’s most profitable casino resort, reported over $2.16 billion in GGR in 2019 alone.
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