JOHOR BAHRU – Four Singaporean men, apprehended in Johor Bahru on July 1, have been handed over to Singapore police for further investigation and action, marking a significant breakthrough in the dismantling of a transnational gambling syndicate.
Commissioner Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, Bukit Aman Crime Investigation Department (CID) director, emphasized the importance of the strong collaboration between Malaysian and Singaporean police forces in tackling cybercrimes, which often transcend borders. “We need to work together closely and share information to fight cybercrimes,” he said during a joint press conference at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar customs, immigration, and quarantine complex on July 9.
Singapore’s acting deputy commissioner of police (investigation and intelligence) and concurrent CID director Zhang Weihan also attended the press conference. The joint operation between the Singapore Police Force and the Royal Malaysia Police, conducted from June 30 to July 1, led to the arrest of 41 men and two women suspected of being part of an organized criminal group engaged in unlawful remote betting operations.
Commissioner Mohd Shuhaily revealed that six individuals were arrested in Johor Bahru on July 1, including the four Singaporean men, aged 41 to 60, who had prior criminal records in Singapore for drugs, illegal gambling, involvement in secret societies, and rioting. The two Malaysian women, aged 29 and 34, had no prior criminal records.
“We believe the local women were facilitators in the online gambling outfit as its main operation was in Singapore. They used Malaysia as their counting center to collect bets on activities such as 4-D and horse racing,” he said. The suspects used Singapore telecommunication service providers to avoid detection by local authorities.
All six individuals were charged and fined under Section 6(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 on July 8. The four Singaporeans were handed over to the Singapore police on July 9 for further investigation.
Mr. Zhang expressed gratitude towards his Malaysian counterparts for their cooperation, which ensured the operation’s success. While he did not disclose details about other syndicate members who might still be at large, he assured that investigations are ongoing and relevant information will be shared with Malaysian authorities as needed.
Singapore police have also issued prohibition of disposal orders for seven properties valued at more than S$10.7 million and seized cash, jewelry, luxury watches, and over 40 bank accounts with a total estimated value of nearly S$4 million.