Police arrested 12 people with Northern Chinese accents during a raid that uncovered an illegal gambling operation.
The Singapore Police Force arrested 36 individuals in an island-wide operation against illegal gambling dens across multiple locations.
At a bungalow on Jalan Kampong Chantek, officers detained 12 men and women aged 35 to 52, all speaking with Northern Chinese accents.
The raid was part of a joint operation against illegal activities conducted from March 5 to March 8, 2025.
The four-day operation targeted crime syndicates setting up gambling operations in residential properties.
A Lianhe Zaobao reporter accompanied police during the Thursday night raid on March 6, 2025, and witnessed the operation.
The criminal group had rented the bungalow and set up gambling tables on the second-floor living room to avoid street visibility.
A professional team ran the gambling den, which specialized in “Tong Jiu,” a popular mahjong game from China.
The game uses mahjong tiles to compare values, with the syndicate collecting commissions from each game.
Police sources said such operations typically target high-end residential areas due to less foot traffic and fewer neighbors who might report suspicious activities.
The monthly rent for luxury bungalows in this area costs between $50,000 and $70,000, representing a major investment for the criminal organization.
The minimum bet for a single game was $10,000, showing this was an exclusive operation for high-rollers.
When police raided the gambling den, the 12 individuals were at the gambling table and surrendered without resistance.
Facing police and media cameras, some quickly turned away to hide their faces, while others stayed silent with lowered heads.
Gaming chips, cash, and gambling items were found on the tables. All suspects were taken to a rest area for questioning by investigating officers.
The bungalow had multiple CCTV cameras outside, creating a comprehensive surveillance system.
The criminals watched screens inside the house to monitor movements around the property, preparing for possible police raids.
Around 2:00 AM, an ambulance was called for one female suspect who became unwell during questioning. She was taken to the hospital while remaining under police custody.
Police investigations continue, with all arrested individuals potentially facing charges related to illegal gambling under Singapore law.
