61 men and 5 women, aged between 17 and 63, were arrested for their suspected involvement in gang-related activities, operating of illegal gambling dens, and other criminal activities, the Singapore Police Force announced on Wednesday (24 October).
In a large-scale operation against a suspected Organised Criminal Group (OCG), on Wednesday, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Police Intelligence Department, Special Operations Command, Bedok Police Division, Clementi Police Division and Tanglin Police Division conducted simultaneous raids at more than ten locations islandwide, including Geylang, Sengkang, Bedok and Ang Mo Kio, resulting in the arrests.
The authority stated that during the operation, cash amounting to S$428,720, jewellery, watches, mobile phones and gambling paraphernalia were seized.
The Police said that it also froze the suspects’ bank accounts to prevent the dissipation of suspected criminal proceeds.
Investigations against all the suspects are ongoing for offences under the Organised Crime Act 2015, Common Gaming Houses Act and Societies Act. Under the Organised Crime Act 2015, any person who is or acts as a member of a locally-linked OCG shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to both.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation & Intelligence) concurrent Director of the Criminal Investigation Department Florence Chua reiterated Police’s stand against OCGs: “OCGs are involved in serious criminal activities and can pose a threat to Singapore’s safety and security.This operation was conducted as part of Police’s ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle OCGs. The Police will remain resolute in our enforcement efforts against such groups, so as to keep Singapore safe and secure.”
