52 Singaporeans Held in China Over Suspected Pyramid Scheme

Singapore’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that 52 of its citizens have been arrested in China’s Guangxi region as part of a crackdown on suspected pyramid scheme activities and related offences. The announcement came on Friday, with the ministry stating that Chinese authorities are continuing their investigations.

Sim Ann, Singapore’s Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the government is in contact with Chinese officials to gather more details. She noted that staff from the Singapore Embassy in Beijing have already visited all 52 detainees and are providing consular assistance.

The ministry did not disclose when the arrests took place, the identities of those held, or the sums of money allegedly involved. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China handles criminal cases involving foreign nationals in line with its laws.

Sim stressed that Singapore does not interfere in other countries’ judicial processes, but added that “due process should be accorded to our citizens.” She also cautioned Singaporeans to be wary of business or investment schemes that require large upfront payments, promise unusually high returns, or depend on recruiting new members — common hallmarks of pyramid schemes, where earnings rely primarily on bringing in fresh participants.