Key facts
- 52 Singaporean nationals were arrested in China's Guangxi province.
- The arrests are part of a crackdown on pyramid scheme activities.
- Singapore's government is providing consular assistance to the detainees.
- Singapore's embassy and consulate have visited the arrested individuals.
Chinese authorities have arrested 52 Singaporean nationals in Guangxi province as part of a crackdown on a pyramid scheme. Singapore's Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sim Ann, stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Singapore police are engaging with Chinese authorities to gather more information. While the Singaporean government does not interfere in other countries' judicial processes, it is providing consular assistance to the arrested individuals. Singapore's embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Guangzhou have made multiple visits to the detainees to check on their well-being and facilitate communication with their families. Sim advised Singaporeans to exercise caution with overseas and local business or investment schemes, particularly those involving participant recruitment, large upfront payments, or unusually high returns. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun affirmed that foreign nationals are investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law, while safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests.