Singapore-Malaysian police bust cross-border horse betting syndicate
As many as 16 people were arrested and 41 others are under investigation following a joint crackdown by Singapore and Malaysian police on an illegal horse betting syndicate operating in both countries.
The coordinated operation on 11 June led to simultaneous raids at multiple locations in Singapore and one in Malaysia. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) arrested 14 men and one woman, aged between 50 and 78. In Malaysia, a 53-year-old Singaporean man was arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP). All are believed to be linked to a criminal syndicate running illegal betting operations.
Over $200,000 in assets seized
According to a statement by the SPF, the raids uncovered suspected criminal proceeds worth over US$200,000, including funds in three bank accounts, cash, mobile phones, and gambling paraphernalia.
In Singapore, more than $17,000 in cash and betting records were recovered from various locations, 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.
The man arrested in Malaysia is expected to be charged in Singapore on 13 June under the Gambling Control Act. Investigations are ongoing against the remaining 41 individuals — 40 men and one woman, aged between 47 and 84 — who are suspected of acting as bookmakers, runners, or punters.
Authorities highlight international cooperation
Singapore’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation and Intelligence) Zhang Weihan, who also heads the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), emphasised the seriousness of illegal betting offences and praised the cross-border effort.
“I would like to thank Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, director of the Criminal Investigation Department of RMP, and his officers for their strong support and commitment in tackling transnational organised criminal groups,” Zhang said.
He added, “This operation underscores our commitment to tackling transnational organised crime,” stating that the SPF will continue to work with international agencies “to detect and dismantle criminal syndicates wherever they choose to operate.”
Under , those found guilty of gambling with unlawful providers face fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Operators of illegal betting services can be fined up to $500,000 and jailed for up to seven years.
