China arrests 52 Singaporeans in connection with pyramid scheme fraud

Beijing (ANTARA) - The Chinese government has acknowledged the arrest of 52 Singaporean citizens in the Guangxi Autonomous Region in connection with a pyramid scheme fraud.

A pyramid scheme is a fraudulent model where profits are derived from recruiting new members who deposit money to benefit existing members, rather than from the sale of actual products or services.

“China handles cases involving illegal or criminal activities by foreign nationals within Chinese territory in accordance with the law and ensures that their legal rights are fully protected,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press conference in Beijing on Friday.

Previously, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside the Singapore Police Force, issued an official statement confirming that Chinese authorities had arrested and detained 52 Singaporeans in Guangxi as a result of law enforcement operations targeting alleged pyramid scheme activities and related offences.

Investigations by Chinese authorities are currently ongoing.

The Singapore Police Force has contacted Chinese authorities to seek further information.

The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reported to have established communication with relevant authorities in China through the Singapore Embassy in Beijing and the Singapore Consulate-General in Guangzhou.

The Singapore government stated that it would not interfere with China’s judicial system but expects the Chinese government to respect the laws and legal processes of Singapore.

Singaporeans travelling or residing abroad are reminded to abide by the laws of their host countries and to remain cautious when invited to participate in schemes involving participant recruitment or large upfront payments, whether abroad or domestically.