In a significant crackdown on transnational crime, a collaborative operation involving the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) has led to the arrest of 11 individuals linked to a sophisticated scam syndicate. This operation, which took place from April to June 2025, successfully targeted a network that utilised Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) GSM gateway devices to facilitate scam calls across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
The joint effort was a result of extensive intelligence sharing and investigative collaboration among the three police forces. Officers from SPF’s Commercial Affairs Department, Criminal Investigation Department, and Police Intelligence Department worked in tandem with their counterparts in Hong Kong and Malaysia. Over the course of two months, the operation focused on multiple locations, revealing a well-organised criminal network that exploited advanced technology to perpetrate fraud.
Advanced Technology Used by Scammers
Investigations uncovered that the syndicate had developed a cloud-based remote operating system, which allowed them to connect to GSM mobile phone networks across the three jurisdictions. This technology enabled the criminals to operate remotely, routing fraudulent calls through local mobile networks, thereby deceiving victims into believing they were receiving calls from within Singapore.
During the operation, authorities seized a total of 226 GSM gateway devices, with 75 confiscated in Singapore, 10 in Malaysia, and 141 in Hong Kong. The arrests included individuals aged between 24 and 48, highlighting the diverse nature of the criminal network. One notable arrest involved a 29-year-old suspect apprehended in Malaysia, who was subsequently extradited to Singapore and charged with conspiracy to commit cheating offences.
Legal Consequences and Future Actions
The legal ramifications for those involved in this syndicate are severe. Under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871, individuals convicted of cheating can face imprisonment for up to 10 years and substantial fines. This serves as a strong deterrent against such criminal activities, emphasising the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat fraud.
The operation was coordinated through FRONTIER+, a transnational law enforcement platform that facilitates collaboration among ten jurisdictions, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. This successful initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime, particularly as scam syndicates continue to evolve and exploit technological advancements.
David Chew, Director of the Commercial Affairs Department, stated, “Scam syndicates build sophisticated transnational cloud network infrastructure to launch attacks on our citizenry. A transnational threat requires a transnational response.” The SPF remains dedicated to working closely with international partners to detect, deter, and disrupt criminal activities, ensuring that those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
For further information on scams, the public is encouraged to visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or contact the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Anyone with information regarding scams can report it to the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit details online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness, with all information treated confidentially.