China arrests 52 Singaporeans over alleged pyramid scheme activities

Chinese authorities have arrested 52 Singaporeans in Guangxi, China, as part of an operation targeting pyramid scheme activities and related offences, according to Singapore's Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann. Sim Ann urged Singaporeans to exercise caution when evaluating business or investment schemes, both overseas and locally, particularly those involving participant recruitment, significant upfront payments, or the promise of unusually high returns.

The Singapore government is providing consular assistance to the detained individuals while Singapore's embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Guangzhou have visited the detainees three times to check on their well-being and offer consular support. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, clarified that the police handle cases involving foreign nationals in China according to the law, while protecting their legitimate rights and interests.