Singapore police have arrested nine people and are investigating six others for buying and selling casino chips, and for foreign exchange and remittance activities, at Marina Bay Sands.
According to a police news release issued Friday, a multi-agency enforcement operation was conducted at MBS across two days last week through which casino chips, cash and mobile phones worth a combined SG$140,000 (US$104,000) were seized.
The 15 people involved are all aged between 28 and 49 years of age.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the 15 persons in the casino were allegedly receiving or providing unlicensed services which included foreign currency exchanges, remittances and buying or selling of casino chips to casino patrons,” said police, who also thanked MBS for providing key information.
“The police take a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal activities and will take firm action against those who blatantly disregard the law.”
Under local laws, anyone found guilty of providing payment services without a license to do so faces a fine of up to SG$125,000 (US$93,000), three years in prison, or both.
Anyone guilty of using casino chips for any purpose other than the playing of games or tips in the casino premises of the operator faces a fine of up to SG$10,000 (US$7,400), a year in prison, or both.