Singapore police can now seize bank accounts to stop scams

SINGAPORE: Police in Singapore can now seize control of a person’s bank account and block money transfers if they suspect the person is being scammed, under a new law that kicked in on Tuesday.

The move is aimed at addressing a common issue faced by the police where victims often refuse to believe they are being scammed despite warnings, authorities have said.

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The law was passed earlier this year by lawmakers, though some members of parliament have described the measure as intrusive.

Singapore has seen a worsening problem with scams, which surged to a record S$1.1 billion ($860m; £630m) in 2024 in the island-state.