A 27-year-old Malaysian man is set to be charged in court after allegedly helping a scam syndicate collect valuables from a victim in Singapore.
According to the Singapore Police Force, the case is linked to a Government Officials Impersonation Scam.
Police said the latest arrest brings the total number of Malaysians arrested in Singapore since March 2026 for allegedly assisting scam syndicates to collect cash and valuables to 30.
The victim reportedly received a phone call on 28 May from an unknown individual claiming to be from Harvey Norman Singapore regarding the purchase of a television.
After the victim denied making the purchase, the caller allegedly claimed the matter would be transferred to the Monetary Authority of Singapore for investigation.
Victim told she was involved in money laundering
A second caller, who claimed to be from MAS, allegedly informed the victim that she was involved in money laundering activities.
Under the pretext of assisting with investigations, the victim was instructed to meet a man near Anchorvale Crescent and hand over all her jewellery.
The victim later realised she had been scammed and lodged a police report.
Following investigations, officers from the Anti-Scam Command identified and arrested the suspect on the same day.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had allegedly been recruited by unknown individuals believed to be part of a transnational scam syndicate.
Police believe he was tasked with collecting cash or valuables from victims before passing them to other unknown individuals.
Suspect faces up to 10 years’ jail
The Malaysian man will be charged with abetment by conspiracy to assist another person in retaining benefits from criminal conduct under Singapore law.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
Police also highlighted a growing trend of Malaysian nationals travelling into Singapore to allegedly assist scam syndicates with the collection of money, gold, and luxury valuables from scam victims.
With tougher anti-scam laws now in effect since 30 December 2025, scammers and recruiters linked to scam syndicates can face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, with a maximum of 24 strokes.
Authorities added that scam mules involved in laundering scam proceeds may also face caning of up to 12 strokes.
Police remind public never to hand valuables to strangers
The Singapore Police Force reminded members of the public never to transfer cash, jewellery, or valuables to strangers whose identities have not been verified.
Residents were also advised not to leave money or valuables at locations for collection and never to share banking credentials or mobile device screens with unknown persons.
Police stressed that genuine Singapore government officials will never ask members of the public to transfer money over the phone, disclose banking login details, install apps from unofficial app stores, or transfer calls directly to the police.
Anyone with information related to scams can contact the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information through the official police website.