52 Singapore citizens detained in China over alleged pyramid scheme
Fifty-two Singaporeans have been taken into custody in Guangxi, China, on suspicion of running a pyramid scheme, the Singapore MFA said.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 52 Singaporean citizens were arrested in the Guangxi region of China on allegations of operating a pyramid-type investment scheme. The detainees have been held since at least the middle of July, and Singaporean officials have been in contact with Chinese authorities via the embassy in Beijing and the consulate in Guangzhou. The MFA has conducted three visits to the prisoners, delivering messages from families and assisting with administrative matters.
Sim Ann, Singapore’s Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, said the government is providing all possible consular assistance while respecting China’s judicial process. She also warned Singaporeans to be cautious about overseas or local schemes that promise high returns and require large upfront payments. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that foreign nationals are dealt with according to Chinese law and their legal rights are protected.
Why it matters
It highlights diplomatic challenges when large numbers of citizens are detained abroad on fraud allegations.
In this story
