Cases of Singaporeans Acting as Money Mules and Plans to Arrest Trend

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the number of cases of Singaporeans acting as money mules by giving others access to their Singpass or bank accounts has increased over the past two years; (b) if so, what are the plans to arrest this trend; and (c) what is the age profiles of such persons.

We have indeed observed an increase in the number of persons acting as money mules over the past two years. The Police investigated more than 7,800 persons in 2022 and more than 9,600 persons in 2023 for money mule offences. The Police do not track the age or nationality of money mules.

The authorities have adopted a multi-pronged approach to try to arrest this rising trend. Legislative amendments to the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 (CDSA) and the Computer Misuse Act 1993 (CMA) were passed in May 2023 and operationalised in February 2024, to allow the Police to take firmer enforcement action against money mules and those who allow others to use their Singpass for criminal activities.

The Police have intensified public education. Public education materials, available in the four official languages, include scenario-based examples to illustrate what would constitute criminal offences under the amended CDSA and CMA. Media advertising has been used to boost public awareness through online platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as out-of-home media such as HDB’s Digital Display Panels, MRT station platform doors, bus stop shelter ads, and taxi and bus wraps.

The Police and the Monetary Authority of Singapore have also worked with the banks on public education. For instance, the advisory that is provided to customers when they open a new bank account has been updated to include the new offences. These messages are also disseminated via electronic direct mailers and on Automated Teller Machines.

The Police have also stepped up efforts to raise awareness among youths on the consequences of being a money mule, as we have observed that a good number of money mules are youths. Crime prevention talks have therefore been organised for secondary and post-secondary students, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.