The Singapore Police Force swooped in on a 39-year-old man suspected of selling appointment slots for foreign drivers seeking to convert their licenses. The arrest follows a crackdown on online scalping and new security measures implemented by the Traffic Police.
The Singapore Police Force apprehended a 39-year-old man suspected of engaging in the illicit sale of appointment slots for foreign driving license holders. This arrest stems from an ongoing investigation into alleged cheating by personation under Section 419 of the Penal Code. In a statement to The Straits Times, a police spokesperson emphasized that their investigations are continuing, and decisive action will be taken against all individuals implicated in these fraudulent activities.
The authorities became aware of the online sale of appointment slots for driving license conversions. In response, the Traffic Police (TP) implemented enhanced security measures on December 10, 2024, requiring applicants to book slots using their Singpass accounts instead of mobile phone numbers. This move was a direct consequence of previous vulnerabilities in the system.Previously, in April 2024, TP had discontinued the practice of drivers securing appointments in person at driving schools. This change inadvertently created a loophole that unscrupulous individuals exploited. By initially booking available slots with their own details, scalpers could subsequently modify the identification number to that of the actual applicant who purchased the slot. Investigations by The Straits Times on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu revealed at least five accounts offering driving license appointment slots to foreign drivers for fees ranging up to $800, with the alternative being appointments four or five months later. To prevent further abuse, TP has canceled over 500 bookings suspected of multiple appointments made using the same phone number, email address, identification number, or name. The police clarified that bookings made with Singpass accounts are non-transferable, and the identities of applicants will be rigorously verified during their appointments at the driving schools. Individuals whose details do not align with the submitted information will be denied service. Those with existing foreign driving licenses can apply to convert their permits for use in Singapore, thereby circumventing the need to take a practical test after passing the Basic Theory Test
SINGAPORE POLICE DRIVING LICENSE SCALING FRAUD TRAFFIC POLICE
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