A 30-year-old Singaporean man has been arrested in Cambodia and repatriated to Singapore over his alleged involvement in a large-scale scam syndicate linked to government impersonation fraud cases targeting victims in Singapore.
The suspect, identified as Ngiam Siow Jui, was arrested in Phnom Penh before being brought back to Singapore on 4 May, where he was subsequently detained by the Singapore Police Force upon arrival.
Authorities believe the syndicate operated from a scam compound based in Cambodia and was responsible for hundreds of scam cases involving millions of dollars in losses.
The arrest marks another major development in Singapore’s ongoing crackdown against international scam operations targeting local victims through cross-border criminal networks.
Syndicate Allegedly Linked To More Than 500 Scam Cases
According to police investigations, the organised criminal group is suspected to be connected to at least 535 reported government impersonation scam cases in Singapore.
Total reported losses linked to the syndicate reportedly amount to around S$53 million.
Government impersonation scams typically involve fraudsters pretending to be officials from agencies such as the police, banks, or government departments in order to frighten victims into transferring money.
Investigators said the scam operation was previously disrupted during a joint enforcement operation conducted by Singapore police and the Cambodian National Police in Phnom Penh on 9 September 2025.
Authorities had earlier seized assets and issued prohibition of disposal orders tied to the criminal network as investigations expanded.
Suspect To Face Organised Crime Charges
Ngiam is expected to be charged in court on 6 May under Section 12(2)(b) of the Organised Crime Act 2015.
The charge relates to allegedly facilitating a serious offence in furtherance of the unlawful activities of a locally linked organised criminal group.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to S$100,000, or both.
Police stated that Ngiam was among an initial group of 34 suspects wanted for investigations linked to the syndicate.
Two Other Singaporeans Still Wanted Overseas
Authorities also revealed that two additional Singaporean men remain at large overseas in connection with the same scam network.
The pair were identified as 27-year-old Jonathan Boneta and 33-year-old Lee Ding Hao.
In March, Singapore police reportedly issued additional Interpol Red Notices against both men as part of international efforts to locate and apprehend them.
The SPF is urging members of the public with information regarding their whereabouts to contact the police hotline or submit information through official online channels.
Officials added that all information provided will be kept strictly confidential.
Singapore Continues Aggressive Crackdown On Scam Syndicates
Singapore authorities have significantly intensified anti-scam enforcement efforts in recent years as scam-related losses continue reaching record levels.
Cross-border syndicates operating from overseas compounds have become a growing concern across Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, where large scam operations have repeatedly been uncovered.
Law enforcement agencies across the region have increasingly collaborated on intelligence sharing, joint raids, and extradition efforts to dismantle these criminal networks.
The latest arrest highlights the expanding international cooperation between Singapore and neighbouring countries in combating organised cyber-enabled crime and financial fraud targeting Singapore residents.