Authorities in Singapore and Malaysia have arrested around 35 people during a joint cross-border operation targeting a suspected loan shark syndicate accused of exploiting Malaysian delivery riders to harass debtors in Singapore.
The operation was conducted in collaboration between the Singapore Police Force and the Royal Malaysia Police following reports that gig workers were unknowingly recruited to carry out intimidation-related deliveries tied to illegal moneylending activities.
According to Malaysian police, the syndicate allegedly used online job advertisements and Telegram groups to recruit freelance riders for what appeared to be ordinary delivery jobs.
However, investigators later discovered some assignments were linked to loan shark harassment tactics targeting borrowers in Singapore, reported NST.
Riders Allegedly Used To Deliver Offensive Parcels
Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the arrests included delivery riders as well as mule account holders connected to the operation.
Authorities believe the syndicate deliberately relied on freelance riders to avoid detection, especially due to Singapore’s extensive surveillance systems in public housing estates and residential neighbourhoods.
Traditional loan shark intimidation methods in Singapore — such as splashing paint, padlocking gates and issuing threats — have become increasingly risky because of widespread CCTV coverage.
Investigators alleged that some parcels delivered by riders contained pork-related items meant to intimidate Muslim borrowers.
Several Malaysian riders were reportedly detained after recipients lodged police reports with Singapore authorities, reported CNA.
Police said some of the riders claimed they had no knowledge of the actual contents inside the parcels and believed they were simply carrying out standard delivery work.
Singapore Laws Still Apply Even If Riders Were Unaware
Authorities warned that individuals involved in such deliveries could still face legal consequences in Singapore regardless of whether they knew the true purpose behind the assignments.
Potential offences may include involvement in illegal moneylending activities, religious provocation and criminal intimidation.
Police also cautioned members of the public to exercise greater caution when accepting freelance jobs or delivery tasks offered through unknown online sources.
Mohd Khalid urged people to properly verify the legitimacy of assignments before participating in suspicious transactions or courier requests.
Cross-Border Syndicates Increasingly Using Online Recruitment
The case has highlighted growing concerns over criminal syndicates exploiting the gig economy and social media platforms to recruit unsuspecting workers into illegal activities.
Authorities said Telegram job groups were among the platforms allegedly used to advertise “delivery-only” assignments to riders looking for quick income opportunities.
The joint operation between Singapore and Malaysian authorities reflects increasing cooperation between both countries in tackling cross-border organised crime, illegal moneylending networks and financial mule operations.
Investigations into the syndicate are ongoing, with police expected to continue tracing additional individuals and bank accounts linked to the operation.