COMMERCIAL CRIMES (Preventive measures)

Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Defence what measures have been, are being and will be taken to prevent the increase of commercial crimes resulting from the activities of confidence tricksters and undesirable elements who tend to gravitate towards a prosperous commercial centre like our city.

Mr Lim Kim San: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Police have so far achieved a good measure of success in the investigations into commercial crimes which are brought to their notice. For the information of the Member, the following measures have been, are being, and will continue to be taken by the Police in their efforts to curb the anticipated increase in commercial crimes which may be committed by foreigners:

(1) By maintaining close liaison with the Immigration Department in regard to the screening of foreign investors who seek permanent residence in Singapore.

(2) By maintaining liaison and cooperation with other member countries of the International Criminal Police Organisation of which Singapore is a member.

Mr Speaker, Sir, action has also been taken by the Police to increase the strength of the Commercial Crime Branch in the Criminal Investigation Department. In terms of future thinking and planning, consideration is also being given to provide selected Police officers with proper training in banking procedure, commercial and shipping transactions and in business management in general. Officers with such training will be posted to the Commercial Crime Branch, so that the Branch will be better equipped to deal with all types of commercial crime in view of the strict implementation of the Companies Act.