Singapore Police Investigate 231 Scammers and Money Mules in S$4.1 Million Islandwide Operation
Singapore Police are investigating 231 people for suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules following a two-week islandwide enforcement operation conducted from 13 to 26 August 2026.
The operation was carried out by officers from the Singapore Police Force’s Cyber Command and all seven Police Land Divisions. A total of 149 men and 82 women, aged between 15 and 76, are assisting with investigations.
According to the Police, the individuals are believed to be linked to more than 721 scam cases, mainly involving e-commerce scams, phishing scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, investment scams and lucky-draw scams. Victims reportedly lost around S$4.1 million.
Money laundering and unlicensed payment services under investigation
The suspects are being investigated for alleged offences including cheating, money laundering and carrying on a payment-service business without a licence.
Money laundering offences under Singapore’s Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act can carry imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
Operating a payment service 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.
SPF also highlighted tougher penalties applying to scam-related facilitation. Scam mules who enable criminal syndicates by laundering scam proceeds, providing SIM cards or supplying Singpass credentials may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes, depending on the offence.
Banking and mobile-service restrictions for mule activity
The Police reiterated that individuals linked to mule-related offences may also be subject to the Facility Restriction Framework. Restrictions can apply to banking services and mobile-line subscriptions where a person is under investigation and assessed to present risk, or has been warned, issued a composition sum, prosecuted or convicted.
The case has a direct AML and illicit-finance nexus because the enforcement action explicitly targets money mules, laundering of scam proceeds and potentially unlicensed payment activity, rather than scam victimisation alone.
