Singapore to Charge 20 Suspects Over Money Mule Activities Linked to Scam Proceeds
Singapore Police will charge 20 people over suspected scam-related money mule activities, in a case involving the use of bank accounts, cash collection, Singpass credentials and SIM cards to facilitate the movement of criminal proceeds.
The Singapore Police Force said on 16 August 2026 that 17 men and three women, aged between 16 and 64, had been arrested for suspected involvement in scams including government official impersonation scams, job scams, e-commerce scams, investment scams, internet love scams and sexual services scams. The 20 individuals are due to be charged in court between 17 and 21 August.
Bank accounts, fund transfers and cash collection
Police investigations found that the suspects allegedly supported scam operations in several ways. Some are believed to have relinquished or sold their bank accounts to others, while others allegedly helped receive or transfer funds or collected cash directly from scam victims. The Police said these activities enabled criminal syndicates to commit money laundering.
Some suspects allegedly cheated banks into opening accounts before handing their internet-banking credentials to unknown persons. One individual is accused of unlawfully disclosing Singpass credentials, allowing a criminal syndicate to misuse that identity to open a bank account. Another allegedly assisted syndicates in registering SIM cards in return for monetary rewards.
The intended charges include abetment to cheating, acquiring another person’s benefit from criminal proceeds, assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct, abetting unauthorised access to computer material, unlawful disclosure of passwords or access codes, and knowingly providing fraudulently registered postpaid SIM cards for monetary gain.
Money laundering and related penalties
Under Singapore’s Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, acquiring another person’s benefit from criminal proceeds can carry up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. Assisting another person to retain benefits from criminal conduct can carry up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Separate offences involving unauthorised access to computer material, disclosure of access codes and provision of fraudulently registered SIM cards also carry potential imprisonment and fines. Police added that scam mules who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
Individuals involved in mule-related offences may also face restrictions under Singapore’s Facility Restriction Framework, including limitations on banking services and mobile-line subscriptions. The case illustrates how access to bank accounts, digital identity credentials and telecommunications facilities can be combined to support the receipt and movement of illicit funds.
