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, said on Friday.
Sim said Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and police are in contact with Chinese authorities to obtain further information about the cases and the circumstances surrounding the detentions.
She stressed that Singapore does not intervene in the legal proceedings or investigations of other countries, but said the government is providing consular assistance to the detained Singaporeans.
According to Sim, Singapore’s embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Guangzhou have visited the detainees three times to check on their welfare and provide assistance.
Officials have also helped convey requests from those detained, relay messages between them and their families, and assist with administrative matters, she said.
Sim urged Singaporeans to exercise caution when assessing business and investment opportunities, both at home and abroad.
She particularly warned against schemes that require participants to recruit others, make substantial upfront payments or promise unusually high returns.
Sim said she could not provide further details about the offences allegedly committed by the 52 Singaporeans.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Chinese police handle criminal cases involving foreign nationals in accordance with Chinese law while protecting the legitimate rights and interests of those involved.
Goodness Anunobi
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