A 37-year-old Singaporean man is set to be charged in court after allegedly making more than 1,000 silent calls to police hotlines within a span of seven days.
According to the Singapore Police Force, the man is suspected of making 1,035 silent calls between Apr. 21 and Apr. 28, 2026. Authorities described the calls as deliberate attempts that potentially disrupted emergency communications and public service operations.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly used a foreign phone number while remaining completely silent during the calls. Officers believe the measures were taken to conceal his identity and avoid detection.
The unusual case has since sparked discussions online, with many Singaporeans questioning how emergency hotlines could be tied up repeatedly over such a short period. Public concern has also grown over the potential impact on genuine emergency cases requiring urgent police assistance.
Woodlands Police Division Tracked Down Suspect
The police said officers from the Woodlands Police Division conducted extensive ground enquiries before identifying the suspect.
The man was eventually arrested on May 11, 2026.
Authorities did not disclose a possible motive behind the alleged actions. However, cases involving misuse of emergency hotlines are typically treated seriously in Singapore, particularly when public resources and emergency response capabilities may be affected.
Emergency hotlines are intended for urgent situations involving crimes, accidents and immediate threats to safety. Repeated nuisance calls can potentially delay responses to genuine emergencies and place unnecessary strain on law enforcement manpower.
Man Faces Multiple Charges Under Singapore Law
The suspect is expected to face two separate charges in court.
The first involves allegedly obstructing a public servant from carrying out official duties under Section 186(1) of the Penal Code. If convicted, the offence carries a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$2,500, or both.
The second charge relates to the alleged use of a SIM card registered under another person’s identity for criminal activity under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.
If found guilty of that offence, the man could face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Singapore authorities have repeatedly warned against the misuse of emergency services, including prank calls and false reports. In recent years, law enforcement agencies have also stepped up enforcement against scams, SIM card abuse and cyber-related offences as part of broader public safety and digital security efforts.
The case is expected to proceed in court on May 13, where more details surrounding the alleged hotline calls may emerge.