SINGAPORE, July 13 — Proposed laws to clamp down on organised crime groups such as drug trafficking, money laundering and unlicensed moneylending syndicates were introduced in Parliament today, which would confer wide-ranging powers on authorities to take to task those involved in such crimes at all levels, from masterminds to members who support these criminal activities.

The Organised Crime Bill introduced by the Home Affairs Ministry will criminalise involvement in organised crime activities, empower the courts to issue Preventive Orders that constrain the criminal activities, and confiscate the benefits derived from organised crime.

An individual’s benefits from organised crime activity can be confiscated even if the individual is not convicted, as long as the prosecution is able to prove, on a balance of probabilities, that the person has carried out organised crime activity.

The Bill also proposes enhanced investigative powers for law-enforcement agencies to investigate and obtain information from the Comptroller of Income Tax and the Comptroller of Goods and Services Tax. These agencies can also apply to the High Court to examine individuals who can provide information of value to civil proceedings.

To tackle the transnational nature of organised crime, the Bill will cover both individuals in Singapore and overseas who are involved in activities related to such groups, which result in harm in Singapore. — TODAY