Singapore cracks down on illegal bets during World Cup

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Singapore police Monday said they have arrested 15 people in a crackdown on illegal betting during intense World Cup fever in the city-state, which has become notorious for football-linked crime.

The suspects, 14 men and one women aged between 23 and 70, were detained in raids on Saturday, police said.

It did not reveal their nationalities and a police spokeswoman declined to specifically link them to betting on matches during the FIFA World Cup, which kicked off on June 12 in Brazil.

Cash totalling S$350,000, as well as computers, mobile phones and documents detailing betting and bank transaction records were seized during the raid, police said.

The crackdown is the second against illegal football betting the police have publicly announced in the past month.

On May 19, the police said 18 people were arrested for being part of an illegal football betting ring that received over S$8.0 million in bets.

Under Singapore's Betting Act, suspects found guilty of illegal bookmaking can face fines of between S$20,000 and S$200,000 and up to five years in jail.

Individuals convicted of making bets with illegal betting outfits face fines of up to S$5,000, six months in jail or both.

Sports betting is deeply entrenched in wealthy Singapore, with top European league matches the most favoured among punters.