Singapore says 52 citizens arrested in China in suspected pyramid scheme probe

Singapore's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that 52 Singapore citizens have been arrested in China's Guangxi region as part of a law enforcement operation targeting suspected pyramid scheme activities and related offenses. Sim Ann, Singapore's second minister for foreign affairs, stated that the city-state is collaborating with Chinese authorities to gather additional information on the matter.

Embassy staff in Beijing have visited the detained Singaporeans and are providing them with consular support. Chinese authorities are continuing their investigations into the case, but the ministry did not provide details on when the arrests occurred, the identities of the citizens, or the amount of money involved.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, clarified that China handles criminal cases involving foreign citizens in accordance with its laws. Sim Ann emphasized that Singapore's government does not interfere in other countries' judicial processes, but stressed that "due process should be accorded to our citizens" according to the Foreign Ministry's website.

The Singaporean diplomat urged citizens to exercise caution when participating in business or investment schemes, particularly those involving the recruitment of new members, significant upfront payments, or promises of exceptionally high returns. Pyramid schemes typically require participants to pay for membership and recruit others, with financial returns largely dependent on bringing in new participants and their payments.