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Showing posts from September, 2024

Young Man Sentenced to Six Years in Jail for Killing Abusive Father in Yishun

In October 2022, Seah Jie Kai Sylesnar, 19 at the time, fatally attacked his 47-year-old father near their home at Block 653, Yishun Avenue 4. The attack occurred after years of abuse and a heated argument where Seah's father mocked and provoked him, triggering the young man’s violent response. According to court documents, Seah’s father had a history of alcohol abuse and was physically and verbally abusive toward his wife and children. Over the years, Seah endured his father’s taunts, canings, and emotional abuse, which eventually culminated in the deadly confrontation. The father’s frequent threats and past gang involvement heightened Seah's fear that his father would one day kill him. On the evening of October 10, Seah's father provoked him by calling him a slur and asking if he dared to use a knife. Enraged and terrified, Seah grabbed two knives and confronted his father near the lift at their block, slashing him repeatedly. Despite attempting to stop the fight and expr...
The Singapore Police arrested two men, aged 25 and 26, for suspected involvement in loanshark harassment cases.  The first case, reported on September 24, involved a residential unit at Bedok Reservoir Road where red paint was splashed on the door, and a debtor’s note was left. The 26-year-old suspect was arrested on September 27 and linked to another harassment case at Bedok North Avenue 3.  In the second case, reported on September 27 at Sims Drive, a 25-year-old suspect was arrested after splashing brown paint and leaving a debtor's note.  Both men face charges under the Moneylenders Act 2008, with first-time offenders potentially facing fines, imprisonment, and caning.  The Police urge the public to avoid involvement with loansharks and report any suspected activity.

Worker Dies in Construction Accident at Sentosa Worksite During Lifting Operation

  A worker was killed during a lifting operation at a construction site at 8 Sentosa Gateway, where part of the structure collapsed and struck him.  The Ministry of Manpower reported that he was pronounced dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected, and investigations are ongoing.  The contractor, Sunray Woodcraft Construction, has been ordered to halt all lifting activities at the site. The accident occurred at the worksite of the former Maritime Experiential Museum, part of the expansion of Resorts World Sentosa's SEA Aquarium into the Singapore Oceanarium.  Ministry of Manpower emphasized the importance of proper safety protocols for lifting equipment.  This is one of 36 workplace fatalities in 2023, down from 46 in 2022.

Train Services Between Jurong East and Buona Vista to Delay Till Tuesday

  Commuters on Singapore's East-West Line will face continued disruptions as train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista, initially set to resume on Monday, have been delayed to Tuesday, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT.  The delay is due to the discovery of 12 new cracks along the westbound tracks during stress testing. Engineers will replace the affected rail segments, followed by further testing to ensure safety before full passenger services resume.  Free bus services and shuttle trains continue to operate along affected sections.

Woman from China Jailed for Overstaying in Singapore for Nearly 19 Years

  A 54-year-old woman from China, Chen Yueying, was sentenced to six months in jail and fined S$4,000 for overstaying in Singapore for nearly 19 years.  Chen had initially been issued a special pass in November 2005 to remain as a prosecution witness in a police case, but she failed to report for repatriation and stayed in Singapore illegally.  This was her second immigration offence, having previously been jailed and fined in 2005.  The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) stressed the seriousness of overstaying and urged employers and landlords to ensure that foreign employees or tenants have valid legal status.  Chen will serve an additional eight weeks in jail as she is unable to pay the fine.

Malaysia Delays Strict Enforcement of VEP for Singapore Vehicles Beyond Oct 1

  Summary : Malaysian authorities have announced that vehicles from Singapore without Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tags will still be allowed entry into Malaysia beyond the Oct 1 deadline, with the enforcement of the VEP system to be phased in. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) stated that drivers will be issued reminders at land borders to register and install their RFID tags promptly. Warnings will be given to drivers upon exiting Malaysia if they haven't installed their VEP tags. Despite concerns among Singaporean drivers about possible penalties after Oct 1, JPJ reassured that vehicles can enter as usual, though the system will eventually be enforced. Malaysia has expanded RFID tag installation capacity to meet demand, including opening centres in Woodlands and Johor Bahru. Since May, over 60,000 Singapore-registered vehicles have activated their VEP RFID tags. The VEP system, first introduced in 2019, requires foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia to have RFID tags, wi...

Singapore NSF Found Unconscious at Pasir Laba Camp, Pronounced Dead in Hospital

  A full-time national serviceman (NSF) from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) was found unconscious and unresponsive at Pasir Laba Camp on Friday evening.  The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed that the NSF was evacuated to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital by the SAF Ambulance Service but was pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts.  MINDEF and SPF clarified that the incident is not training-related, and preliminary investigations do not suggest foul play.  The case has been classified as an unnatural death, with investigations ongoing. MINDEF and the SAF expressed their condolences to the serviceman's family and are providing support during this time of grief. Rest in Peace.

East-West Line Disruption Extended Until Monday After Major Track Damage

  Train services on the East-West Line between Jurong East and Buona Vista will remain suspended until Monday (Sep 30), prolonging a disruption that began on Wednesday morning. This extended suspension is due to extensive damage to the tracks and trackside equipment caused by a faulty train. In the meantime, free regular and bridging bus services will continue to operate for commuters affected by the disruption. Initially, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and rail operator SMRT considered running a temporary shuttle train service between the affected stations. However, on Thursday night, both agencies announced that they had decided against this option. While it was technically feasible to run a shuttle train, doing so would have slowed down the repair work on the adjacent damaged rail. Authorities emphasized that it was more efficient to focus on expediting full restoration of service, rather than risking further delays by running a 20-minute shuttle between Jurong East and Buon...

Suspect Retraces Steps in Fatal Group Fight Near Verdun Road

Muhammad Sajid Saleem, 22, was brought back to the crime scene near Verdun Road on Friday (Sep 27) by police in connection with the murder of 25-year-old Dhinessh Vasie. Sajid is accused of causing Dhinessh's death during a group fight that occurred early Sunday morning and now faces a capital charge. Five others involved in the incident have been charged with rioting. Sajid, along with three other suspects, was escorted by officers to retrace their steps at the scene, which included areas near a coffee shop and the Novotel Singapore hotel on Kitchener Road where bloodstains were found. All suspects remain in remand for further investigations and are expected to return to court next week. Murder carries the death penalty in Singapore, while rioting with a deadly weapon is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and caning. However, women—two of the accused—are exempt from caning. 

Significant Disruption on East-West Line as Train Fault Damages Tracks Near Clementi

  SINGAPORE: Train services on the East-West Line (EWL) between Boon Lay and Queenstown MRT stations were halted in both directions on Wednesday (Sep 25) after a train fault caused damage to the tracks. This disruption is expected to last through the day, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The incident occurred at around 9am when an eastbound train near Clementi station developed a fault. As the train was being withdrawn, a power trip was detected at 9.25am, stalling train operations between the two stations. LTA explained that the fault caused damage to the tracks, including the running rails and the third rail that supplies power to the trains. Cause of the Fault The train involved was one of SMRT's first-generation Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) trains, which has been in service for over 35 years. According to SMRT, a defective axle box on the train dropped, causing the wheels of the undercarriage to come off the track and strike equipment, including a live rail a...

Former Singapore Minister S Iswaran Pleads Guilty to Charges Involving $400,000 in Benefits and Obstruction of Justice

  SINGAPORE: On Tuesday (Sep 24), former Transport Minister S Iswaran pleaded guilty to four charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code and one charge of obstructing justice, relating to his involvement in receiving over S$400,000 in valuable items. This marked a dramatic turn after months of asserting he would fight the charges in court. The charges involve a range of valuable gifts, including tickets to the Singapore F1 Grand Prix, theatre shows, whisky, and international flights. These gifts, exceeding S$400,000 in value, were provided by property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and construction firm boss Lum Kok Seng. While both businessmen have not been charged, their involvement is central to the case. One of the key charges Iswaran admitted to was accepting complimentary tickets to the 2022 Singapore F1 Grand Prix, including 10 Green Room tickets worth S$48,150 and 32 general admission tickets valued at S$41,216. These gifts were linked to Ong, the majority shareholder of Singapore GP...

One Dead in Choa Chu Kang Flat Fire, 150 People Evacuated

  SINGAPORE: A fire broke out in a ninth-floor flat at 692A Choa Chu Kang Crescent on Tuesday morning (Sep 24), resulting in one fatality and the evacuation of 150 residents. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the fire at approximately 5:25am. The blaze affected both the living room and a bedroom in the flat. Firefighters forced entry into the unit and found one person in the bedroom, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The rest of the unit sustained significant heat and smoke damage. The fire was extinguished using a water jet and compressed air foam backpacks. As a precaution, police and SCDF evacuated about 150 people from the block. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Qoo10 Ordered to Suspend Payment Services in Singapore Amid Vendor Payment Delays

  E-commerce platform Qoo10 has been directed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to halt all payment services from Monday (Sep 23), following delays in processing payments to merchants on its platform. While Qoo10 can continue operating its e-commerce platform, customers are currently unable to make purchases due to the suspension of its payment gateway. The suspension follows a series of complaints from merchants between April and August regarding late payments. Despite efforts to address some of these issues, significant delays remained unresolved. In early September, Qoo10 informed MAS that more vendors would face payment delays, prompting MAS to intervene. Qoo10 has been unable to provide sufficient assurance that it can meet its ongoing payment obligations, leading MAS to suspend services covered under the Payment Services Act, including merchant acquisition, account issuance, and domestic and cross-border money transfers. While the platform is allowed to settle outs...

22 Year Old Man to be Charged with Murder for Riot in Farrer Park Area

A 22-year-old man will be charged with murder following a fatal fight at a coffee shop in the Farrer Park area on Sunday (Sep 22), which left a 25-year-old man dead. The altercation occurred at Verdun Road, with blood splatters found near Kim San Leng Eating House and outside the Novotel Singapore hotel on Kitchener Road. Police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were alerted to the scene around 4.05am. Two men, aged 24 and 25, were found unconscious and taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The 25-year-old man later succumbed to his injuries, while the other remains injured. Alongside the 22-year-old murder suspect, five others—three men and two women aged 20 to 24—will be charged with rioting armed with a deadly weapon. The offence of murder carries the death penalty, while rioting armed with a deadly weapon is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and caning. Police investigations are ongoing.

Man Dies After Fight at Farrer Park Area

  A 25-year-old man died following a fight at a coffee shop on Verdun Road in the Farrer Park area early Sunday morning (Sep 22). Police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force were alerted at around 4:05am, responding to the incident near Kim San Leng Eating House. Two men, aged 24 and 25, were found unconscious and taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The 25-year-old later succumbed to his injuries, while the 24-year-old sustained non-fatal injuries. Blood stains were found at the scene, including a pool of blood about 50 meters from the coffee shop, with police cordons set up in various areas, including near the Novotel Singapore hotel on Kitchener Road. Investigations are ongoing.

FBI Arrested Singaporean for Alleged Cryptocurrency Theft and Money Laundering

  Malone Lam, a 20-year-old Singaporean residing in Miami and Los Angeles, and Jeandiel Serrano, 21, from Los Angeles, were arrested by the FBI on Wednesday night for their alleged involvement in a cryptocurrency theft and laundering scheme. Lam, known online as “Anne Hathaway” and “$$$”, and Serrano, who goes by “VersaceGod” and “@SkidStar”, appeared in court on Thursday. The duo, along with other conspirators, allegedly gained fraudulent access to cryptocurrency accounts, stealing funds and laundering them through a complex system of exchanges, mixers, peel chains, and virtual private networks (VPNs) to obscure their identities. Peel chains involve a series of small transactions used to launder large sums of cryptocurrency. The stolen funds were reportedly spent on international travel, luxury items, and rentals in Los Angeles and Miami. Investigations into the scam are still ongoing.

Man Arrested for Outrage of Modesty at Jurong West Avenue 1

  A 34-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a case of outrage of modesty that occurred on 2 September 2024 at a residential block along Jurong West Avenue 1. The man allegedly molested a 27-year-old woman and fled the scene, changing his attire to avoid detection. However, through swift action and with the help of CCTV and police cameras, officers from Jurong Police Division identified and arrested the suspect within two hours. He will be charged on 19 September 2024 under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871, which carries penalties of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments. The police reaffirm their zero-tolerance policy towards such offences and assure that offenders will be dealt with sternly.

Singaporean Man Deported from Thailand Faces Death Penalty for Drug Trafficking

  A Singaporean man, Benny Kee Soon Chuan, 31, has been charged with drug trafficking after being deported from Thailand. Kee is accused of conspiring with Low En Quan Justin to traffic at least 2kg of methamphetamine in December 2020. The drugs were allegedly intended for delivery to "Senthil Kumar" at a shop in Orchard Towers. Low, who was involved in collecting the parcel, received 22-and-a-half years in prison and 15 strokes of the cane for attempting to traffic a smaller quantity of meth. Kee is also linked to another drug trafficking case from November 2022, where a 29-year-old man was sentenced to eight years in prison with seven strokes of the cane. After being at large for several years, Kee was arrested by Thai authorities in Samut Prakan province and deported to Singapore on Sep 19, 2024. Kee was reportedly living in luxury in Thailand, where authorities seized assets worth 15 million baht (US$453,000), including Rolex watches, gold chains, and cash. He will return...

31-Year-Old Man Arrested for Injuring Police Officer, Dangerous Driving, and Drug-Related Offences

  On 16 September 2024, a 31-year-old man was arrested after injuring a Traffic Police officer, driving dangerously, and evading capture along Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway. The man was spotted speeding, and after failing to comply with a stop order, he led police on a dangerous chase, eventually crashing into a pole at Punggol Central and fleeing on foot. The officers managed to detain him, but not before the suspect bit one of the officers. Despite his injury, the officer, with reinforcements, subdued the man. A search revealed drug paraphernalia, and investigations are ongoing into suspected drug-related offences. The man was also found to have previously handed over his Singpass credentials in February 2024 for cash, though attempts to use them were unsuccessful. He faces multiple charges, including: Voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant (up to seven years in prison, a fine, or caning), Dangerous driving (up to 12 months in prison or a $5,000 fine), Driving without...

28-Year-Old Man Arrested for Taxi Theft at Hotel Driveway

A 28-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stealing a taxi at a hotel on Jalan Rajah on September 13, 2024. The taxi driver had left his vehicle unlocked with the engine running for five minutes, only to return and find it missing. Police officers from Tanglin and Ang Mo Kio swiftly tracked the man down and arrested him within seven hours. The stolen taxi was recovered on the same day. The man faces charges for motor vehicle theft, which could result in up to seven years in jail and a fine. Police advise vehicle owners to lock their cars, remove valuables, and park in well-lit areas to prevent theft. 

45-Year-Old Man Arrested for Suspected Loanshark Harassment in Multiple Locations

 A 45-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in loanshark harassment. On September 11, 2024, the police responded to a report of harassment at a Yishun Ave 11 residence, where red paint was splashed, and a debtor’s note was left. Follow-up investigations led to the man’s arrest the next day, linking him to two other harassment cases in Jurong West and Hougang. He faces charges under the Moneylenders Act and could face up to five years in jail, a fine, and caning. Police urge the public to avoid loansharks and report any suspicious activities.

SFA Orders Recall of Four Seasons Durian Mooncakes Due to Bacteria Contamination

  The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has detected Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), a bacteria that can cause food poisoning, in Four Seasons Durian's Mini D24 Durian Mooncake at levels exceeding the legal limit. As a precaution, SFA has instructed the manufacturer, Four Seasons Durian Pte Ltd, to recall the affected mooncakes. B. cereus is commonly found in the environment and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Consumers are advised not to eat the affected mooncakes and to seek medical advice if they feel unwell. For any questions, consumers should contact the place of purchase.

Man Arrested for Loanshark Harassment in Pasir Ris

  A 33-year-old man was arrested on September 9, 2024, for suspected involvement in loanshark harassment at a residential unit on Pasir Ris Street 13. The incident occurred on August 15, 2024, at around 3:40 pm, when liquid believed to be coffee was splashed on the main door and floor, and a debtor's note was left behind. Bedok Police Division officers identified the suspect using police camera footage. Preliminary investigations suggest the man may be involved in other loanshark harassment cases across Singapore. A mobile phone was seized as evidence. The suspect will be charged under the Moneylenders Act 2008, which carries penalties for first-time offenders, including a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, imprisonment of up to five years, and up to six strokes of the cane. The police urge the public to avoid associating with loansharks and report any suspicious activities by calling '999'.  

Man Arrested for Housebreaking and Theft in Woodlands

  The police arrested a 36-year-old man on September 10, 2024, for suspected housebreaking and theft at a residential unit on Woodlands Ring Road. The incident occurred at around 2:15 am, and $450 in cash was allegedly stolen. Officers from the Woodlands Police Division quickly responded and arrested the man at the scene, recovering the stolen cash in full. The suspect will be charged with housebreaking to commit theft under Section 451 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine. The police also advise property owners to secure all entry points, install security systems like alarms or CCTVs, and avoid keeping large sums of cash or valuables on their premises.

Six Men Charged in Singapore for Involvement in Global Cybercrime Syndicate

  Six men, including five Chinese nationals aged between 32 and 42, and a 34-year-old Singaporean, will be charged in court on September 10, 2024, for suspected involvement in illegal cyber activities. On September 9, around 160 police officers conducted simultaneous raids across Singapore, arresting the six men believed to be linked to a global cybercrime syndicate. Various electronic devices, cash, and cryptocurrency were seized during the raids. The men were found with equipment and data connected to cybercrime, such as hacking tools, unauthorized data, and malware control software. They also possessed large amounts of cash and cryptocurrency, with some preparing to conduct cyber-attacks. The five Chinese nationals face charges under the Computer Misuse Act 1993, carrying potential fines and imprisonment. The Singaporean man will be charged with abetting unauthorized access to websites, which also carries fines and jail time. All six men will be held for further investigation, a...

Former Actor Huang Yiliang Charged with Reckless Driving After Hitting Cyclist

  Former actor Ng Aik Leong, known as Huang Yiliang, was charged in court on Wednesday (Sep 11) for driving a van into a 27-year-old cyclist, Bhatt Paras Krishna, who was grievously injured in the incident. The 63-year-old Singaporean faces one count under the Road Traffic Act for driving without reasonable consideration for other road users. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. on Sep 20 last year, when Ng was driving along the slip road of Cavenagh Road onto Bukit Timah Road. He allegedly failed to exercise care while exiting the slip road, colliding with the cyclist, who had the right of way. Ng is scheduled to plead guilty on Nov 15 and was offered bail of S$10,000. If convicted, he could face up to two years in jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.

Singapore Police Officer Accused of Intoxicated Driving and Fleeing Accident

 A police officer, Tan Bee Sen Bernard, 52, has been charged with five offences under the Road Traffic Act for allegedly driving while intoxicated, colliding with a motorcyclist, and fleeing the scene. The charges against Tan, a Singaporean, include exceeding the legal alcohol limit, driving without due care, causing grievous injury, and failing to stop after the accident. On August 18, 2023, at 11:58 pm, Tan had at least 78 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath — more than twice the legal limit. While driving along Bartley Road East, Tan allegedly veered left into a concrete wall before swerving right and hitting a 28-year-old female motorcyclist, who sustained severe injuries. After the accident, Tan allegedly did not stop or provide his details, instead "removing" his car without police authorization. Tan has been offered bail of S$15,000 and is due back in court in October. If convicted of drink driving or driving without due care resulting in grievous hurt, he could...

Two Men Arrested for Loanshark Harassment in Jurong West

  The Police have arrested two men, aged 24 and 31, for their suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment. On September 9, 2024, at around 1.45 am, officers were alerted to an incident at a residential unit along Jurong West Street 42, where red paint was splashed on the main gate, and a debtor’s note was left behind. Through follow-up investigations and with the help of Police camera footage, officers from the Jurong Police Division identified and arrested the two suspects on the same day. Both men will be charged in court on September 10, 2024, under the Moneylenders Act. Loanshark harassment carries a fine of up to $50,000, mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and up to six strokes of the cane. The Police reiterated their zero-tolerance stance against loanshark harassment, emphasizing that those who vandalize property or disrupt public safety will be dealt with severely according to the law.

Malaysian Man Arrested in Drug Trafficking Operation; Drugs Worth $305,000 Seized

A 34-year-old Malaysian man was arrested for suspected drug trafficking during a Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) operation on September 9, 2024. Drugs valued at approximately $305,000, including 3.14kg of cannabis, were seized. CNB officers apprehended the man near Chin Swee Road on the night of September 9. A search of his car uncovered about 264g of 'Ice,' 1.88kg of heroin, and 3.14kg of cannabis. The drugs seized could sustain the addiction of around 1,500 users for a week. Under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, trafficking in controlled drugs, or offering to do so, is a serious offense. Trafficking more than 15g of pure heroin, 250g of methamphetamine, or 500g of cannabis carries the mandatory death penalty. Investigations into the suspect's drug activities are ongoing.

Man Arrested for Alleged Murder of Woman at Maxwell Food Centre

  A 41-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering a 48-year-old woman in Singapore. On September 7, 2024, at 1:36 am, the man went to Bukit Merah East Neighbourhood Police Centre and reported to officers that he had stabbed a woman. Police were immediately dispatched to Maxwell food centre along Kadayanallur Street, where they found the woman lying motionless. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations indicate that the man and the woman knew each other. The incident occurred at the "Dao Xiang Ju" food stall. The suspect will be charged with murder on September 8, 2024, under Section 302(1) of the Penal Code 1871, which carries the death penalty. Police investigations are ongoing.

Driver Jailed After Fatal Hit-and-Run on Expressway

  A driver, Pua Yui Loon, was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison and banned from driving for ten years after causing a fatal accident on an expressway. The 28-year-old Malaysian had been speeding at least 141 km/h when he sideswiped a motorcycle, causing the 22-year-old motorcyclist, Joshua Chiam Chee Wai, to fall and die at the scene. Pua fled to Johor Bahru, where he lived, but was arrested the next day when he returned to Singapore. The incident occurred on February 6, 2024, along the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE). Pua, who worked as a cashier in a lounge bar in Singapore, was driving home after a night shift and had consumed alcohol earlier. Despite seeing the motorcycle ahead, Pua continued speeding and struck the motorcycle while trying to pass it on the rightmost lane. The accident was captured by in-car cameras from vehicles behind. After the collision, Pua did not stop to help the victims. Mr. Chiam’s girlfriend, who was riding pillion, sustained injuries but...

Public Transport Fares to Increase by 10 Cents for Adults from December 28

  Starting December 28, 2024, bus and train fares in Singapore will increase by 10 cents per journey for adult commuters, while concession card holders such as students, seniors, and people with disabilities will see a 4-cent increase per journey. There will be no fare changes for commuters using monthly passes. The overall fare hike is 6 percent, which is lower than last year's 7 percent increase. To support low-income households, the government will provide public transport vouchers worth S$60, up from S$50 last year. The eligibility criteria have been expanded to include households with a monthly income of up to S$1,800 per person, allowing an additional 60,000 households to benefit. Reasons for Fare Increase: The Public Transport Council (PTC) attributed the fare increase to factors including core inflation, wage growth in 2023, and energy prices, which have dropped from their 2022 peak. The council’s fare adjustment formula allowed for an increase of 3.3 percent, but a deferre...

40 Individuals Charged for Involvement in Scams-Related Money Mule Activities

  Thirty-three men and seven women, aged between 18 and 43, will face charges in court from September 9 to 11, 2024, for offences linked to scams-related money mule activities. These offences are newly introduced under the amendments to the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (CDSA) 1992 and the Computer Misuse Act (CMA) 1993, which came into force on February 8, 2024. The new offences aim to curb the facilitation of scams, the movement of criminal proceeds, and the misuse of Singpass credentials. The individuals are alleged to have surrendered or sold their bank accounts and Singpass credentials, enabling criminal syndicates to commit money laundering and scams. In some cases, they deceived banks into opening accounts, handed over ATM cards and iBanking credentials, or unlawfully disclosed their Singpass credentials. For example, one individual’s bank account was used to launder over $300,000, while another's Singpass credentials we...

24 Individuals Investigated for Unlicensed Foreign Currency Exchange and Remittance Activities at Casino

  Seventeen men and seven women, aged 27 to 58, are under investigation for their alleged involvement in unlicensed foreign currency exchange and remittance activities within the Marina Bay Sands Casino premises. A multi-agency enforcement operation was carried out on September 5 and 6, 2024, led by the Central Police Division and supported by the Criminal Investigation Department, Commercial Affairs Department, and Marina Bay Sands officers. Fourteen of the 24 individuals were arrested to aid in police investigations, and 13 will be charged in court on September 7, 2024. The suspects are believed to have provided unlicensed services such as foreign currency exchange, remittances, and buying or selling casino chips to patrons. Over SGD$190,000 in casino chips and cash, as well as various electronic devices, were seized during the operation. If found guilty under the Payment Services Act 2019, the offenders could face a fine of up to $125,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or b...