In a recent operation at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, 13 foreign nationals were arrested and charged with allegedly providing illegal foreign exchange services within the integrated resort. According to local news sources, all 13 suspects are Chinese nationals, and they face charges for “providing an illegal payment service.” They are accused of unlawfully exchanging Singapore dollars for Chinese yuan and vice versa.
The police are also investigating 24 other individuals, aged between 27 and 58, in connection with the same case. Among those under investigation are 17 men and 7 women, who are suspected of offering unlicensed services, including foreign currency exchanges and remittances.
The operation was spearheaded by the Central Police Division, with support from the Criminal Investigation Department, the Commercial Affairs Department, and staff from Marina Bay Sands. During the operation, more than SG$190,000 (approximately US$145,731) in casino chips and cash, along with several electronic devices, were seized.
If convicted, the 13 suspects could face fines up to SG$125,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Earlier in August, Singapore also arrested two former Chinese bankers in the largest money laundering case in the city-state, which is linked to scams and illegal online gambling.