A 48-year-old Malaysian man has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison in Singapore after conspiring with his nephew to keep a 50g gold bar that he had been instructed to collect for a criminal syndicate.
Ng Keng Chuan pleaded guilty to two charges, including criminal breach of trust and an offence under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.
The court heard that Ng had initially become involved with the syndicate after being recruited by his 24-year-old Singaporean nephew, Liu Yong Jun, in August 2025.
Promised Hundreds Of Dollars A Day As A Syndicate Runner
Liu reportedly told his uncle that he could make money by collecting cash from different locations before handing the funds to money changers.
Ng was offered a commission of 2.5% based on the amount collected each day. This reportedly allowed him to earn between S$500 and S$600 daily, which persuaded him to take up the role.
He was subsequently added to a Telegram group with his nephew and three other unidentified individuals.
Ng then travelled between collection points in Singapore using private-hire vehicles. The court heard that he was instructed to collect cash as well as gold bars, which he was told were connected to activities such as currency exchange, property investments and gold trading.
The syndicate also provided him with materials designed to make him appear legitimate when meeting members of the public.
Fake Identification And Documents Used During Collections
Among the items given to Ng was a fraudulent employee identification badge containing his photograph and personal particulars.
The badge made it appear that he was working as a “cash escort” for an investment company.
He was also supplied with forged receipts and contracts for members of the public to sign during transactions.
Court documents stated that Ng knew the company did not exist and was aware that the paperwork was fraudulent. Despite knowing this, he continued working with the group for approximately five months.
As part of his instructions, Ng was also told to photograph particular banknotes before meeting victims. He would then compare the serial numbers with the notes handed over during the transactions.
Uncle And Nephew Sold Gold Bar For S$15,000
The case took an unexpected turn on 19 October 2025, when Ng and Liu agreed to keep a 50g gold bar that Ng had collected on behalf of the syndicate.
Instead of handing it over as instructed, the pair sold the gold bar for S$15,000.
They divided the proceeds equally, with each receiving S$7,500.
Ng used his share to settle personal debts.
The gold bar incident formed part of the charges for which Ng was prosecuted, while details surrounding another charge were not disclosed in the report.
Malaysian Man Made At Least 27 Trips Into Singapore
According to Oriental Daily News, Ng travelled into Singapore at least 27 times between August and December 2025 to carry out collections for the syndicate.
During this period, he admitted collecting money from approximately 40 to 50 people. At least half of those individuals were reportedly elderly.
After receiving the cash, Ng would pass the money to other members of the syndicate in Singapore before returning to Malaysia.
His involvement reportedly earned him between S$30,000 and S$40,000 in commissions.
Of that amount, around S$10,000 was spent on gambling, while the remaining money went towards repaying debts and meeting his everyday expenses.
More Than S$54,000 In Cash And Gold Linked To Scam Cases
Authorities were able to establish that at least S$54,000 in cash and three gold bars handled by Ng were connected to scam cases.
Prosecutors highlighted the cross-border nature of the offences, the substantial sums involved and the organised methods used by the syndicate.
They sought a sentence of at least 49 months in prison, together with a S$37,500 fine.
The prosecution also pointed out that Ng had earned at least S$30,000 from his involvement despite knowing that the people he was working for were conducting illegal activities.
During sentencing, the judge noted that Ng had knowingly continued participating in the criminal operation. He had also gone beyond his role as a runner by conspiring with his nephew to keep and sell one of the gold bars.
However, the court did not impose the additional fine after taking into account Ng’s financial inability to pay.
Ng will now serve three years and four months in prison.
His nephew, Liu Yong Jun, is expected to plead guilty in the State Courts on 23 September.