Singapore Police Crack Down on SIM Card Misuse Linked to Criminal Activities

Severity: Medium (Score: 51.9)

Sources: www.police.gov.sg, Straitstimes

Summary

On May 9, 2026, Singapore police announced the arrest of seven individuals and the investigation of 65 others for their involvement in registering SIM cards for illicit purposes. This enforcement action follows the introduction of new laws under the Law Enforcement and Other Matters (LEOM) Bill, which was passed on April 2, 2024, to combat the misuse of SIM cards in scams and other criminal activities. The arrested suspects were allegedly providing registered post-paid SIM cards for monetary gain, with cash rewards offered for each card registered. The police highlighted that criminal syndicates exploit these SIM cards as communication channels for scams, illegal moneylending, and vice. Those convicted of facilitating such crimes face significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The ongoing investigations aim to deter further misuse of SIM cards and protect the public from scams. Key Points: • Seven individuals arrested for registering SIM cards linked to criminal activities. • 65 others are under investigation for potential involvement in SIM card misuse. • New laws introduced in 2024 impose severe penalties for SIM card-related offences.

Key Entities

• Singapore (country)