China detains 52 Singaporeans following a law enforcement operation targeting suspected pyramid scheme activities and related offences, according to Singaporean authorities. Multiple outlets report that detainees have been held since at least mid-July, based on information from sources cited by Channel NewsAsia.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Singapore Police Force say Chinese authorities are still investigating the cases, and a joint statement is released by Singaporean officials. The Straits Times reports that the Singapore embassy in Beijing and the Consulate-General in Guangzhou visit all detainees to provide consular assistance. The South China Morning Post places the arrests in China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and includes comments from Singapore’s second minister for foreign affairs, Sim Ann, while noting the ongoing nature of Chinese investigations.
