Illegal bookies at RWS casino arrested

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Illegal bookies at RWS casino arrested

By S Ramesh | Posted: 03 November 2011 2237 hrs​

SINGAPORE: A syndicate believed to be conducting illegal bookmaking activities within the Resorts World Sentosa casino has been crippled.

This, after a 24-hour joint operation which ended early Thursday morning. The operation involved the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Police Intelligence Department (PID), with support from the Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore (CRA).

10 Singaporeans were arrested as a result. They included two women aged 43 and 47 years old. The others are men aged between 21 and 58 years old.

A joint statement from the Police and CRA said investigations by CID's Casino Crime Investigation Branch revealed that syndicate members had been offering patrons at the casino illegal insurance bets at the baccarat tables since June this year.

The offer of private bets is an offence under the Betting Act.

In total, nearly S$420,000 worth of cash and chips was seized from the suspects.

The Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck, said: "The Police have taken a strong stance against crime, especially if they occur within the casinos. We will continue to take swift and stern action against any persons involved in bookmaking activities inside the casinos."

Commenting on the case, Chief Executive of CRA, Mr Lau Peet Meng, said: "The Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) works closely together with the Police on casino-related crimes to ensure that the management and operation of the casinos are and remain free from criminal influence and exploitation.

"The successful execution of this operation was the result of the close cooperation and coordination between CRA and the Police, and sends a strong signal to anyone who conducts illegal activities within the casinos that such activities will not be tolerated."

-CNA/ac