Singapore police have arrested nine people suspected of helping an illegal online gambling syndicate operate through shell companies and corporate bank accounts linked to the GemBet platform.

The seven men and two women, aged between 17 and 55, were detained during a gambling suppression operation conducted from July 22 to 24, 2026. Officers carried out raids across Singapore, including locations in Upper Jurong Road, Jurong West and Punggol. Searches also took place in Geylang, Lengkok Bahru and Toa Payoh.

GemBet operates from overseas and allegedly accepted illegal wagers from customers in Singapore on FIFA World Cup matches. Punters reportedly transferred money through PayNow to local business entities connected with the platform.

The three-day operation involved officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Woodlands Police Division and Tanglin Police Division.

Shell Companies Used to Process Gambling Payments

Police arrested six people over their alleged involvement in registering business entities and opening corporate bank accounts later used by the GemBet syndicate.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects used their Singpass credentials to create companies through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. They then opened corporate accounts under those businesses before surrendering control of the companies, accounts and banking credentials.

Another three suspects allegedly acted as runners who helped the syndicate obtain access to the business entities and their bank accounts.

Investigators identified nine corporate accounts connected with six shell companies. Police froze more than $39,000 believed to represent criminal proceeds.

The suspects remain under investigation for possible offences under legislation covering computer misuse and money laundering. Authorities are also examining potential breaches of the Companies Act and Gambling Control Act.

“These acts may facilitate illegal gambling, scams, money laundering and other criminal activities, and offenders will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law,” the police said.

Police warned residents against selling or transferring control of personal accounts, corporate accounts or Singpass credentials. They advised account holders to retain control of their banking access and report suspicious requests immediately.

“Individuals will be held accountable if they allow others to use their accounts for illicit purposes,” the police said, as reported by The Straits Times.

Suspects Face Several Possible Penalties

A person convicted of gambling through an unlawful service provider may receive a fine of up to $10,000 or a prison sentence of up to six months. Courts can impose both penalties.

Money laundering carries a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Disclosing passwords or access codes connected with Singapore’s national digital identity service can result in a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to three years or both.

A first-time offender convicted of knowingly obtaining unauthorized access to computer data may face a fine of up to $5,000 or a prison term of up to two years.

Knowingly supplying a fraudulently registered SIM card for use in criminal activity can lead to a maximum $10,000 fine and up to three years in prison. Company directors who fail to exercise due diligence may receive a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for as long as 12 months.

Investigations into all nine suspects remain ongoing.

World Cup Enforcement Targets Wider Betting Networks

The GemBet operation forms part of a broader enforcement campaign aimed at illegal gambling activity before and during the 2026 World Cup.

Between May 1 and July 20, police arrested or investigated 60 people, comprising 46 men and 14 women between the ages of 17 and 79.

Authorities also blocked or removed more than 600 illegal gambling websites, mobile applications and social media posts promoting unlicensed betting.

Police worked with financial institutions and payment network operators to stop at least 6,900 suspected illegal betting transactions worth more than $600,000.

During an operation held between May 21 and 29, investigators examined 30 people suspected of illegal online betting or helping operators access bank accounts. Police identified 38 accounts and froze more than $19,000. Fourteen of those accounts were linked to shell companies.

Another operation conducted from June 4 to 11 involved 11 people aged between 17 and 23. They allegedly supplied personal accounts or obtained betting accounts from unlicensed platforms for other users.

On July 6, police arrested 19 people suspected of conducting illegal gambling operations. Officers seized more than $730,000 in cash, electronic devices and gambling-related materials.

Authorities said they would continue pursuing people involved in illegal gambling regardless of their role within an operation.