In a coordinated crackdown on illegal horse betting, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) arrested 16 individuals—15 men and one woman—aged between 50 and 78, for their suspected involvement in a transnational criminal syndicate.
The joint operation was conducted on 11 June 2025. It saw SPF’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Special Operations Command carry out simultaneous raids across multiple locations in Singapore.
Fourteen men and one woman were arrested. At the same time, the RMP CID executed a raid in Malaysia, resulting in the arrest of a 53-year-old Singaporean man.
Authorities seized cash and froze three bank accounts totaling an estimated S$200,000, believed to be proceeds from illegal betting. Electronic devices including mobile phones, as well as various gambling-related items, were also confiscated.
The 53-year-old suspect arrested in Malaysia will be charged in court on 13 June 2025 under the Gambling Control Act 2022. Investigations into the other suspects are ongoing.
In a parallel enforcement effort on the same day, SPF’s CID and Land Divisions conducted checks at multiple locations island-wide, 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.
A total of 40 men and one woman, aged between 47 and 84, are currently under investigation for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting.
More than S$17,000 in cash, along with mobile phones and betting paraphernalia, were seized. Preliminary investigations suggest these individuals played various roles in the illegal operations, acting as bookmakers, runners, and punters.
Under Section 20(3) of the Gambling Control Act 2022, anyone found gambling with an unlawful gambling service provider may face a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both. Those found guilty of operating an unlawful betting service under Section 18(2) may face fines of up to S$500,000 and imprisonment of up to seven years.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation and Intelligence) and Director of CID Zhang Weihan stated, “The Police take a serious view of all forms of illegal betting. We are committed to identifying and prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law, including collaborating with international partners like the RMP to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal syndicates. I would like to thank Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain and the RMP CID for their strong support and continued cooperation.”
The SPF reaffirmed its resolve to pursue those who exploit illegal betting operations, regardless of where they operate.
