Malaysian man, 27, arrested and handed to Singapore over alleged scam syndicate role
A 27-year-old Malaysian man has been arrested in Malaysia and handed over to Singapore authorities over his alleged involvement in a scam syndicate that reportedly operated across the two countries.
The Singapore Police Force said the man, known by the nickname “Da Xiang”, was wanted for allegedly recruiting and coordinating Malaysian nationals to assist with scam-related activities and the movement of illicit proceeds.
He was identified following investigations by officers from the Singapore Police Force’s Cyber Command. Singapore authorities subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest.
The man was arrested in Malaysia on Sep. 22 and handed over to Singapore police later that day.
Allegedly coordinated runners in Malaysia
According to preliminary investigations, the man allegedly met at least four Malaysian runners on several occasions in Malaysia.
Police said he allegedly assigned tasks to the runners, coordinated ATM withdrawals and distributed payments to them for carrying out their roles.
The runners were also allegedly instructed to bring gold items collected from scam victims back to Johor Bahru, where they would hand the items over to the 27-year-old man.
Authorities believe he was involved in laundering at least S$500,000 in scam and other illicit proceeds.
The police said the alleged activities were linked to a government official impersonation scam and money laundering operations involving Singapore.
Man to be charged in Singapore
The 27-year-old is expected to be charged on Sep. 23 with criminal conspiracy to assist another person to retain benefits from criminal conduct.
If convicted, the offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Singapore Police Force also thanked the Royal Malaysia Police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department for its cooperation in facilitating the arrest and transfer.
Police warn about cross-border scam operations
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Justin Wong, commander of Cyber Command, said scam syndicates operate across national borders and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in tackling such networks.
Police said they have observed an increasing trend of Malaysian nationals travelling to Singapore to assist scam syndicates by collecting cash and valuables from victims.
Members of the public have also been reminded that Singapore government officials will not ask people to transfer money, cash, jewellery or other valuables to unknown individuals over the phone.
Authorities will also not request banking login credentials, instruct members of the public to download applications from unofficial app stores, or transfer calls to the police.
Anyone who receives an unsolicited call, message or email should remain cautious, even if the sender appears to know personal information about them.
Those unsure about whether they have encountered a scam can contact the 24-hour ScamShield Helpline at 1799 for assistance.
For urgent police assistance, members of the public can call 999.