52 Singaporeans Arrested In China Over Suspected Pyramid Scheme – MFA

By Anas Abu Hassan

SINGAPORE, Sept 4 (NNN) -- Fifty-two Singaporeans were arrested and detained in Guangxi, China, in an operation against suspected pyramid scheme activities and related offences, according to a joint statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

“Investigations by the Chinese authorities are ongoing,” said the joint statement on Friday.

It noted that SPF had contacted its Chinese counterparts to seek more information, while the MFA had been engaging with the Chinese authorities through the Singapore Embassy in Beijing and the Singapore Consulate-General in Guangzhou.

The joint statement said the MFA had conducted consular visits to all 52 Singaporeans to check on their well-being and provide consular assistance, while also maintaining contact with their next of kin.

“The Singapore Government does not intervene in foreign judicial systems, just as we expect foreign governments to respect our laws and legal process.

“MFA will continue to engage the Chinese authorities and provide consular assistance to the Singaporeans and their families. We will stress that due process should be accorded to the Singaporeans in accordance with Chinese law,” it said.

The joint statement noted that Singaporeans travelling or residing overseas are subject to the laws of the countries they are in.

“Singaporeans are reminded to exercise caution when invited to take part in schemes involving the recruitment of participants or the upfront payment of substantial sums of money, whether overseas or locally,” it said. 

--NNN-BERNAMA