Police target post-paid SIM “mules” registering dozens of lines for scam syndicates.
An islandwide operation has netted seven arrests and 65 investigations into individuals suspected of bulk-registering post-paid SIM cards for criminal syndicates behind scams, illegal moneylending and vice.
Islandwide Operation And Arrests
Between April 20 and May 8, police conducted an islandwide enforcement blitz against people registering post-paid SIM cards later linked to criminal activity, arresting seven suspects – five men and two women aged 18 to 35 – on suspicion of supplying registered SIMs for profit, while another 62 men and three women aged 16 to 56 are assisting investigations.
How The SIM Mule Scheme Worked
Preliminary findings show suspects were offered between $10 and $20 for each registered SIM card and allegedly instructed to register and buy cards in bulk from different retailers, handing over between 30 and 64 activated cards each to syndicate couriers, effectively providing anonymous communication channels.
SIM Cards As Crime Enablers
Police said criminal syndicates routinely exploit Singapore‑issued SIM cards for scams, illegal moneylending and vice operations; those who knowingly provide registered SIMs to facilitate offences for gain face up to three years’ jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both, and can also be barred from signing up new mobile lines to prevent further abuse.
Offences, Penalties And Caning
Action can be taken against individuals who resell their SIMs, allow others to use them, help others register lines, or hold multiple cards without legitimate reasons. Scammers and syndicate members or recruiters face mandatory caning of six to 24 strokes if convicted, while those laundering scam proceeds or supplying SIM cards or Singpass credentials can face up to 12 strokes in addition to imprisonment and fines.
Public Reporting And Prevention Measures
Police urged the public not to act as SIM card mules and to report suspected registration for illicit purposes via the hotline 1800‑255‑0000 or online at http://www.police.gov.sg/i-witness, assuring that all information will be kept confidential; guidance on SIM card misuse offences is available at http://www.police.gov.sg/Advisories/Misuse-of-SIM-Card-Offences.
The enforcement sweep against SIM card “mules” shows how even small cash rewards can draw individuals into serious offences that power multi‑million‑dollar scam operations. Indonesians and Singaporeans alike should treat offers to register or hand over mobile lines as red flags, recognising that such roles carry heavy penalties and fuel cross‑border syndicates that prey on victims across the region.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , The Star (2026)
Keywords: Post Paid SIM Cards, Islandwide Enforcement, Criminal Syndicates, Monetary Rewards, Mandatory Caning
