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16 Arrested in Singapore-Malaysia Crackdown on Illegal Horse Betting Syndicate

 




On June 11, 2025, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) conducted a coordinated enforcement operation targeting a transnational criminal syndicate believed to be involved in illegal horse betting. The joint operation led to the arrest of a total of 16 individuals, comprising 15 men and one woman aged between 50 and 78.

The SPF’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), supported by the Special Operations Command, executed simultaneous raids at several locations across Singapore, resulting in the arrest of 14 men and one woman. At the same time, Malaysian police officers from the RMP Criminal Investigation Department conducted a raid in Malaysia and arrested a 53-year-old Singaporean man. This man will be charged in court on June 13, 2025, for offences under the Gambling Control Act 2022. Investigations into the remaining arrested individuals are ongoing.

During the operation, the SPF seized multiple assets believed to be linked to criminal proceeds. These include cash and three bank accounts with an estimated combined value of S$200,000. A number of electronic devices such as mobile phones, along with gambling-related items, were also confiscated as case exhibits.

In a related effort, officers from SPF’s CID and Land Divisions simultaneously conducted checks at multiple locations across the island, including King George’s Avenue, Jurong Street 24, Ang Mo Kio Street 22, New Upper Changi Road, Yung Sheng Road, Bukit Batok Street 31, and Marsiling Road. These inspections led to 41 more individuals—40 men and one woman, aged between 47 and 84—being investigated for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities.

Items seized during this part of the operation include over S$17,000 in cash, several mobile phones, and various horse betting paraphernalia. Preliminary investigations indicate that these individuals served different roles in the illegal gambling operation, including acting as bookmakers, runners, and punters.

Under the Gambling Control Act 2022, the penalties for involvement in illegal betting are severe. Section 20(3) states that any individual who places bets with an unlawful gambling service provider may be fined up to S$10,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both. Section 18(2) outlines that those found conducting unlawful betting operations as operators may face a fine of up to S$500,000, and imprisonment for up to seven years.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation and Intelligence) and concurrent Director of the CID, Zhang Weihan, emphasized the police’s commitment to eradicating illegal betting in Singapore. He stated that all forms of illegal gambling are taken seriously and that enforcement efforts will continue with full legal consequences for those involved. He also expressed appreciation for the collaboration with international partners, notably the RMP, led by Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, for their assistance in tackling transnational organised crime groups.

The SPF reiterated that it will maintain close partnerships with foreign enforcement agencies to detect, dismantle, and disrupt illegal gambling syndicates operating within or beyond Singapore’s borders.

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Location: Singapore

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