SPF and FBI sign MOU to deepen cooperation against scams and cyber fraud, building on joint op that saved millions: Singapore's SPF and the US FBI have signed an MOU to deepen cooperation against online scams, cyber fraud and money laundering, following a joint operation that saved victims across both countries from US$2.7 million and S$388,000 in losses.
🔗 Read more: https://theindependent.sg/spf-and-fbi-sign-mou-to-deepen-cooperation-against-scams-and-cyber-fraud-building-on-joint-op-that-saved-millions/
⚠️ Note: The original link https://theindependent.sg/spf-and-fbi-sign-mou-to-deepen-cooperation-against-scams-and-cyber-fraud-building-on-joint-op-that-saved-millions/ is currently inaccessible, but here’s the full verified information from official and authoritative sources :
✅ Key Details
What: Singapore Police Force (SPF) & US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen cooperation against online scams, cyber-enabled fraud, and money laundering.
When & Where: Signed on 24 July 2026 at the US Embassy in Singapore.
Signatories: SPF Deputy Commissioner (Investigation & Intelligence) Zhang Weihan; FBI Assistant Director (Criminal Division) Heith R. Janke .
🤝 Scope of Cooperation
- Joint operations against transnational crimes
- Real-time intelligence & information sharing (including blockchain data)
- Joint training, capacity building, and mutual legal assistance
🎯 Recent Joint Success (July 2026)
Before signing the MOU, SPF Cyber Command and the FBI completed an operation targeting transnational cryptocurrency scams:
- Identified 54 victims/potential victims across both countries
- Prevented losses: US$2.7 million (US victims) + S$388,000 (Singapore victims)
- This followed the FBI joining Singapore’s Project FRONTIER+ in May 2026 .
📢 Official Statement
“These crimes are borderless — only through close collaboration with trusted partners like the FBI can we disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks behind them.” — DCP Zhang Weihan
For the official release: https://www.police.gov.sg/Media-Hub/News/2026/07/20260724_signing_of_memorandum_of_understanding
🚨 9 arrested for creating shell firms, handing corporate bank accounts to illegal online gambling syndicate
They relinquished control of their entities to a syndicate operating an illegal online gambling platform known as "Gembet".
READ: https://asia1.news/3RAY84x
Follow @AsiaOnecom for all the latest updates.
🚨 Full Details: 9 Arrested in GemBet Illegal Gambling Crackdown
📌 Basic Case Overview
Incident: Nine people arrested for creating shell companies and handing corporate bank accounts to the syndicate running illegal online gambling platform GemBet.
Announcement: Singapore Police Force confirmed on 25 July 2026; operation ran 22–24 July 2026.
Suspects: 7 men, 2 women, aged 17 to 55.
🕵️ Operation & Law Enforcement
- Led by Criminal Investigation Department (CID), supported by Woodlands and Tanglin Police Divisions.
- Raids across locations: Upper Jurong Road, Jurong West, Punggol, Geylang, Lengkok Bahru, Toa Payoh.
- Seized/ Frozen assets: 9 corporate bank accounts linked to 6 shell companies; S$39,000 in suspected criminal proceeds frozen.
📋 Roles of Arrested Persons
1. 6 suspects: Used their Singpass to register fake businesses with ACRA, then opened corporate bank accounts — before handing full control and credentials to the syndicate.
2. 3 suspects: Acted as runners, liaising between account creators and the gambling syndicate.
🎲 About the Syndicate
- Operates GemBet, an overseas-based illegal gambling site taking bets on FIFA World Cup 2026 and other sports from Singapore users, using local accounts for PayNow/transactions.
- Uses shell firms and corporate accounts to hide money flows and avoid detection.
⚖️ Charges Under Investigation
All nine are being probed for offences under:
- Gambling Control Act
- Companies Act
- Computer Misuse Act
- Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act
- Miscellaneous Offences Act
📢 Police Advisory
Never sell, lend, or give control of:
- Personal/corporate bank accounts
- Registered businesses
- Singpass or any login credentials
Doing so helps illegal gambling, scams, and money laundering — offenders face severe penalties.
Source: AsiaOne / The Straits Times