Singapore Police Investigate 259 Suspected Scammers and Money Mules Linked to S$5.2 Million in Losses
Singapore Police are investigating 259 people for suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules following a two-week islandwide enforcement operation conducted from 10 to 23 September 2026.
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the 181 men and 78 women, aged between 16 and 82, are assisting with investigations into more than 648 scam cases. Victims reportedly lost around S$5.2 million. The cases mainly involve e-commerce, phishing, job, government official impersonation, investment and lucky-draw scams.
The individuals are being investigated for suspected cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence. At this stage, the announcement concerns investigations and does not establish that any individual has been convicted of an offence.
Money-laundering and payment-services offences
SPF said money-laundering offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 can carry imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both. Providing payment services in Singapore without a licence under section 5 of the Payment Services Act 2019 can carry a fine of up to S$125,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The operation is relevant to financial-crime controls because SPF specifically identified money mules and the laundering of scam proceeds among the conduct under investigation. Scam mules may facilitate movement of criminal proceeds through bank accounts and other payment channels, separating funds from the underlying fraud before onward transfer or withdrawal.
Facility restrictions for suspected money mules
SPF also highlighted Singapore’s Facility Restriction Framework. Individuals involved in mule-related offences may face restrictions on banking services and mobile-line subscriptions where they are under investigation and assessed to be at risk, or have been warned, issued composition sums, prosecuted or convicted. The framework is intended to reduce their ability to facilitate further scams.
Police said scam mules who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds, providing SIM cards or providing Singpass credentials can face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes for specified offences. Members or recruiters of scam syndicates can face mandatory caning of between six and 24 strokes.
Source
Singapore Police Force, Public Affairs Department, 24 September 2026: Police investigate 259 scammers and money mules in islandwide enforcement operation.
