Four individuals have been arrested in Singapore following an enforcement operation targeting the fraudulent registration of SIM cards allegedly used in scam activities.
The suspects, comprising two men and two women aged between 26 and 38, were arrested on 4 June in the Tuas area by officers from the Anti-Scam Command.
Authorities also revealed that three additional men, aged between 30 and 65, are currently assisting with investigations.
The operation forms part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to crack down on scam syndicates and individuals who facilitate criminal activities through illegally obtained mobile phone lines.
SIM Cards Allegedly Registered Using Customers’ Information
Preliminary investigations suggest that a 34-year-old man and two women had allegedly used the personal information of legitimate customers to pre-register additional postpaid SIM cards without authorisation.
Police believe the fraudulently registered mobile lines were later utilised by overseas scam syndicates to carry out impersonation scams targeting victims.
Investigators also alleged that a 26-year-old man was in the process of learning how to conduct similar registrations at the time of the operation.
The case highlights how scam syndicates continue to rely on locally registered phone numbers to increase the credibility of their fraudulent schemes.
Suspects To Face Charges In Court
The four arrested individuals are expected to be charged in court on 6 June for allegedly facilitating the fraudulent registration of SIM cards used in criminal activities.
Under Singapore law, those convicted may face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both penalties.
In more serious cases, offenders may also face caning of up to 12 strokes.
Police stressed that they take a serious view of any misuse of SIM cards that enables criminal activity, including scams, fraud, and impersonation offences.
Singapore Tightens Measures Against Scam Facilitators
Authorities have repeatedly warned that individuals who allow others to use their SIM cards, register mobile lines on behalf of unknown persons, or possess multiple SIM cards without a legitimate reason may face enforcement action.
The authorities noted that mobile numbers remain one of the key tools used by scammers to contact potential victims and bypass security measures.
As part of Singapore’s Facility Restriction Framework, individuals involved in scam-related activities may be barred from subscribing to new mobile lines if they are deemed to pose a risk of facilitating future offences.
The restrictions can apply not only to convicted offenders but also to individuals under investigation, those issued warnings, or those who have accepted composition sums.
Mandatory Caning Introduced For Scam Syndicate Members
Singapore has also strengthened penalties against scam syndicates and their facilitators.
Since 30 December 2025, convicted scammers as well as members and recruiters of scam syndicates face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, with the punishment increasing to as many as 24 strokes depending on the severity of the offence.
Individuals acting as scam mules by laundering criminal proceeds, supplying SIM cards, or providing Singpass credentials may also face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
The latest arrests come as authorities continue intensifying efforts to disrupt scam operations and prevent criminals from exploiting Singapore’s telecommunications infrastructure to target victims both locally and overseas.