12 individuals arrested as authorities clamp down on underground gambling operations.

A police-led enforcement operation targeting illegal activities across central Singapore resulted in the arrest of 62 individuals, aged between 18 and 73, between March 5 and 8. The suspects, including 29 men and 33 women, are being investigated for offences such as illegal gambling and working without valid permits.

As part of the operation, officers from Tanglin Police Division raided a Good Class Bungalow (GCB) in Bukit Timah and a four-room HDB flat in Toa Payoh. Members of the media were invited to observe the raids, which took place from the night of March 6 into the early hours of March 7.

Exclusive Property Used as Gambling Den
GCBs are among Singapore’s most prestigious properties, with only 39 designated areas. Typically associated with high-profile transactions and elite homeowners, these residences rarely attract public attention—until cases such as last year’s $3 billion money laundering scandal or this recent illegal gambling bust.

When media representatives arrived at the Bukit Timah residence at around 1am, police were already securing the premises. The property, located in the Swiss Club Road area, appeared quiet despite its proximity to a major expressway. Three luxury vehicles were seen parked at the entrance.

Inside, officers uncovered a fully operational gambling den. One bedroom had been converted into a gaming space, where about 10 individuals, including two women, were found playing “tong jiu,” a mahjong-based gambling game. Additional players were questioned near the poolside. The room was stocked with Chinese cigarettes, drinks, and even a banknote counting machine.

In the dining area, shelves were lined with premium alcohol, including Chinese “moutai” and aged whisky. A plate of fresh vegetable dipping—a dish commonly associated with northeastern China—was seen on the table.

Authorities believe the bungalow was rented by a Chinese national who collaborated with third parties to organise regular gambling sessions. Players were recruited via social media or personal connections. Open-source property listings suggest the residence’s rental exceeds $50,000 per month.

The raid concluded just before 4am, with police escorting 12 individuals—10 men and two women, aged between 35 and 52—to waiting vehicles. Officers seized gambling paraphernalia, including mobile phones and gaming chips used in place of cash.

Parallel Raid at Toa Payoh Flat
On March 6, officers also raided an HDB flat in Toa Payoh, where a female homeowner had turned a bedroom into a makeshift mahjong gambling room. Through social media, she recruited players who paid entry fees and commissions on winnings. Three men and two women, aged between 40 and 53, were arrested.

Police Crackdown on Illicit Gambling
Speaking after the raids, Superintendent of Police Abrartaufik Jasmani, Commanding Officer of Bukit Timah Neighbourhood Police Centre, emphasised that authorities remain committed to clamping down on illegal activities.

Under the Gambling Control Act 2022, individuals found guilty of operating unlicensed gambling establishments or promoting illegal gambling face up to three years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.