13 people arrested for suspected involvement in OCBC scams

[SINGAPORE] Thirteen people aged between 19 and 22 have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the recent spate of OCBC scams between December 2021 and January this year.

The police said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 20) evening that 9 men and 4 women have been arrested.

"The police have been closely monitoring reports of the OCBC Bank phishing scams since its inception in December 2021," said the statement. "Through thorough investigations and extensive probes, the identities of 13 persons suspected to be involved in the OCBC Bank phishing scams were established."

Police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested all the 13 identified suspects in an islandwide operation mounted on Feb 16 and 17.

An array of mobile devices, bank cards, SIM cards, cash amounting S$2,760 and 2 Rolex watches - worth a total of S$35,600 - were seized.

On Feb 18, 7 male suspects were charged with assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct, punishable under section 44(5)(a) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, Chapter 65A (CDSA).

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The offence carries an imprisonment term not exceeding 10 years, a fine not exceeding S$500,000, or both.

The 7 men have been remanded for further investigations. Police investigations are ongoing against the other 6 suspects.

The police said it will spare no effort to track down any person who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.

"To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank account or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes," it added.

Combating scams requires a whole of society effort. While the police have stepped up their enforcement efforts, they reminded that the public still plays a vital role in the fight against scams. THE STRAITS TIMES