Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on How Fugitives From a Japanese Money Laundering Syndicate Entered Singapore Without Being Detected

Question:

Mr Yip Hon Weng: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs with regard to the case of some members of a Japanese money laundering syndicate residing in Singapore (a) how did these fugitives enter Singapore without being detected; (b) whether the Ministry has previously received any information about their criminal activities; and (c) whether the Ministry was informed by the Japanese authorities when a wanted notice against these persons was issued in August 2024 and, if so, what action was taken.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. At the point of their last entry into Singapore, these persons were not known to be wanted by the foreign authorities.

2. Singapore authorities are in contact with our foreign counterparts, including rendering assistance within the ambit of our laws. We are unable to provide further details at this juncture.