Singapore gambling syndicate leader fined US$456,000
Seet Seo Boon has been convicted of running an illegal online gambling syndicate between 2011 and 2016.
Singapore.- Seet Seo Boon has been fined S$620,000 (US$456,000) for running an online gambling syndicate between 2011 and 2016. The High Court heard that the syndicate generated more than S$100m (US$75m) in revenue from two illegal gambling websites.
Boon was arrested in November 2016 after police carried out a raid and searched Boon’s apartment. His two brothers were also arrested, along with 49 other agents, new employees and shareholders involved in illegal projects. Boon was released on bail.
Boon pleaded guilty on December 8 to seven counts related to violations of the Common Gaming Houses Act, Remote Gambling act, Organized Crime Act and other offences. He could face nine years, eight months and two weeks in jail if he doesn’t pay the fine imposed by the High Court.
See also: Singapore: 15 investigated for illegal gambling activities
New Singapore gambling legislation receives first reading
Two key bills on gambling legislation have had their first readings in Singapore’s parliament. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Bill and the Gambling Control Bill aim to set out clearer regulations for gambling.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Bill will create a new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) as a single regulator for all forms of gambling. The aim is to have the regulator established by mid-year.
The Gambling Control Bill proposes to increase penalties for unlawful gambling both land-based and online and impose stronger penalties for repeat offenders who facilitate or operate unlawful gambling services. Operators found to have allowed underage or excluded individuals to gamble will be liable for an offence or disciplinary action.
The new legislation will also make it a criminal offence for under-aged individuals to gamble, “regardless whether with legal or unlawful operators” and for under-aged individuals to enter gambling areas, “except where entry checks are not required”.
