Three Malaysian men aged between 22 and 24 have been arrested for their alleged involvement in scam activities after authorities apprehended them within six hours of their arrival in Singapore.
The suspects are accused of assisting a Malaysia-based scam syndicate in carrying out operations targeting victims in Singapore. According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), approximately S$200,000 linked to scam activities was withdrawn from victims’ accounts using bank cards provided to the syndicate.
The trio are expected to be charged in court on Jun. 20.
Entered Singapore On Instructions From Malaysia-Based Syndicate
In a statement, SPF said officers received information that a 23-year-old Malaysian national had entered Singapore on Jun. 18 to carry out tasks assigned by a scam syndicate.
Investigations revealed that he was allegedly instructed to collect cash and gold bars from scam victims across Singapore.
Two accomplices, aged 22 and 24, had entered Singapore alongside him.
Preliminary findings suggest the three men were directed by a Malaysia-based syndicate to perform cash withdrawals at various ATM machines throughout the island.
Officers from the Anti-Scam Command, working together with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), subsequently tracked and arrested all three suspects within six hours of their arrival in Singapore.
Authorities also recovered 69 bank cards, which were allegedly used to withdraw around S$200,000 from victims’ accounts.
Different Charges For The Three Suspects
The 23-year-old suspect will be charged with assisting others to retain criminal proceeds.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
Meanwhile, his two alleged accomplices will each be charged with unauthorised access to computer material.
The offence carries a penalty of up to two years’ jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
As all charges are currently before the courts, investigations are ongoing.
Police Warn Of Rising Trend In Cross-Border Scam Operations
The Singapore Police Force noted that authorities have observed an increasing trend of Malaysian nationals travelling to Singapore to assist scam syndicates.
Their roles allegedly include collecting cash and valuables from scam victims, as well as making ATM withdrawals using bank cards that victims had surrendered to scammers.
Singapore has also tightened its laws against scam-related offences.
Since Dec. 30, 2025, individuals who are members, recruiters or active participants of scam syndicates can face between six and 24 strokes of mandatory caning in addition to other penalties.
Scam mules who help launder criminal proceeds may also face up to 12 strokes of discretionary caning.
Authorities continue to advise members of the public to remain vigilant and never hand over bank cards, banking credentials, cash or valuables to strangers, regardless of the reasons given.