Singapore Police Bust Illegal Online Betting Syndicate

Singapore police have arrested seven men suspected of running an illegal online betting network, following a coordinated investigation involving the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Meta, the parent company of Facebook. 

Police Seized EUR 330,000 in Assets 

So far, four of the seven suspects, with ages between 28 and 53, were taken in court on October 6 and charged for “conducting an unlawful betting operation under the Gambling Control Act 2022”.

According to police reports, the syndicate began targeting victims in March 2023, encouraging them to open accounts on an overseas gambling website and deposit money into anonymous bank accounts in exchange for digital gambling credits. 

Initially, winnings were returned to gain the players’ trust. However, as participants attempted to cash out larger amounts, they were told to either deposit more money or purchase additional credits beforehand. Police said victims lost a total of over SGD 175,000 (EUR 115,000).

Investigators believe the website was hosted abroad to evade Singapore’s enforcement measures. The group allegedly reached players across Singapore and neighboring countries through social media ads and online promotions. 

Critical intelligence shared by the FBI and Meta helped authorities identify key digital footprints. Using this information, the Criminal Investigation Department and Police Intelligence Department carried out coordinated raids across Bukit Batok, Hougang, and Pasir Ris. 

During the raids, police seized around SGD 500,000 (EUR 330,000) in assets, including cash, a luxury watch, 15 bank accounts, and electronic devices such as computers, phones, and SIM cards.

Prosecutors said 28-year-old Ong Wei Jie accepted illegal casino bets between October 1 and 5, 2025, while Samuel Chiam (39) handled unlawful soccer wagers between January and August. 

Song Yong Sheng (52) and Shuek Jin Yong (35) acted as runners for the syndicate, moving money and recruiting others to assist with the website’s operations. All four remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court again on October 13. If convicted, each could face up to five years in prison and fines of SGD 200,000 (EUR 132,000).

Meta Tracked Ads, Payments, and Accounts

Meta effectively traced online ads, payments, and accounts tied to illegal gambling via Facebook and Instagram and used automated systems flagged to track down the suspicious operations of the Singaporean syndicate. 

The Criminal Investigation Department’s deputy director, Yeo Yee Chuan, emphasized the police’s “serious” stance about cracking down on illegal betting in the country and taking action against anyone involved.
Singapore has a history of cracking down on illegal gambling and money laundering, with authorities seizing luxury properties, cars, and gold bars from similar operations in the past.