Chinese authorities have detained 52 Singaporean nationals in Guangxi following a law enforcement operation targeting suspected pyramid scheme activities and related offences.
Singapore’s Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sim Ann, disclosed the development on Friday, saying Singaporean officials were engaging Chinese authorities to obtain more information about the cases and the circumstances surrounding the detentions.
Sim said Singapore would not interfere in China’s legal proceedings or investigations but would continue to provide consular assistance to the affected citizens.
Singapore’s embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Guangzhou have visited the detainees on three occasions to check on their welfare and offer assistance.
Officials have also helped communicate requests from the detainees, facilitate contact with their families and provide support with administrative matters.
Sim urged Singaporeans to exercise greater caution when considering business and investment opportunities, both domestically and overseas.
She warned citizens to be particularly wary of schemes that depend on recruiting new participants, demand significant upfront payments or promise unusually high financial returns.
The minister said she could not disclose further details about the specific offences allegedly committed by the 52 Singaporeans while investigations remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Chinese authorities handle criminal cases involving foreign nationals in accordance with Chinese law while safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of those involved.
The detentions come as authorities in the region continue efforts to crack down on suspected fraudulent investment and recruitment schemes, which often operate across borders and target individuals with promises of quick and unusually high returns.
