On October 5, 2025, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) arrested seven men aged between 28 and 53 as part of a large-scale operation. They are suspected of being part of a transnational network that offered illegal online betting and targeted victims of fraud in several Asian countries.
The operation was carried out in close cooperation with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the technology company Meta.
Victims deceived by fake online casinos
Since March 2023, the police had received several reports that people in Singapore were being tricked into opening accounts with online gambling sites. The victims transferred money to anonymous bank accounts in order to receive virtual betting credits.
At first, the players were able to cash out small winnings. However, this was only to build trust, because when they tried to withdraw more money, they were stalled or asked to make additional bets. Several victims lost over 175,000 Singapore dollars in the process.
Investigations revealed that the network operated from abroad to evade prosecution in Singapore, while specifically targeting users in Asia.
Breakthrough through international cooperation
Based on information from the FBI and Meta, the police were able to locate the suspects.
Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Police Intelligence Division conducted simultaneous raids at several locations in Singapore.
Cash, 15 bank accounts, and a luxury wristwatch with a total value of over S$500,000 were seized, along with computers, cell phones, and SIM cards.
Four of the men are expected to appear in court in October. They are accused of violating the Gambling Control Act 2022.
Heavy penalties for illegal gambling
Under the Gambling Control Act 2022, the following penalties apply:
- Operators of illegal betting platforms face fines of up to S$500,000 and up to seven years' imprisonment.
- Brokers and agents face fines of up to S$200,000 and up to seven years' imprisonment.
- Players who participate in illegal betting face fines of up to S$10,000 or up to six months' imprisonment.
Police warn against online gambling offers
Deputy CID Director SAC Yeo Yee Chuan emphasized that Singapore is cracking down hard on illegal betting activities:
“The Singapore Police Force takes all forms of illegal gambling very seriously and will prosecute those involved to the full extent of the law. We work closely with international partners to uncover and dismantle such transnational networks. The public is strongly warned to stay away from any form of illegal betting.”