China arrests 52 Singaporeans for alleged pyramid scheme activities, Singapore minister says

China has arrested 52 Singaporeans in Guangxi in a law-enforcement operation targeting alleged pyramid scheme activities and related offenses, Singapore’s Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann said.

Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and police are engaging with Chinese authorities to obtain more information. The government will not interfere in China’s investigations or judicial process, Sim said, but it is providing consular assistance to the detainees.

Singapore’s embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Guangzhou have visited the group three times. Officials checked on their well-being, conveyed requests and messages from their families, and helped with administrative matters.

“

On behalf of the police, I wish to reiterate that Singaporeans should exercise caution when considering business or investment schemes, whether overseas or local. This is especially so for schemes involving the recruitment of participants, upfront payment of large sums of money, or promises of unusually high returns.

“On behalf of the police, I wish to reiterate that Singaporeans should exercise caution when considering business or investment schemes, whether overseas or local,” Sim said. She highlighted schemes involving participant recruitment, large upfront payments or promises of unusually high returns.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Chinese authorities handle criminal cases involving foreign nationals according to law while safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of those involved.

“

The police investigate and deal with cases involving criminal cases committed by foreign nationals in China in accordance with the law, while fully safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of those involved.