A sophisticated scam operation masquerading as a Singapore police office has been uncovered inside an abandoned compound along the Cambodia–Thailand border, offering a stark glimpse into how far transnational fraud syndicates are willing to go to deceive victims.
The discovery was made after Thai military forces took control of the compound in December 2025 following border clashes with Cambodia. International journalists and observers were later escorted to the site during a guided visit organised by the Thai military, revealing a scene that many described as surreal.
Among the most striking findings was a room carefully staged to resemble a Singapore police office, complete with official-looking insignia and signage. The setup was realistic enough to pass as an authentic law enforcement workspace during video calls, a tactic commonly used in government official impersonation scams.
FAKE SINGAPORE POLICE OFFICE FOUND INSIDE SCAM CENTRE
According to reports citing ABC News, the compound was located in O’Smach, a town situated near the northern Cambodian-Thai border. Inside one of the buildings, investigators found signage bearing the Singapore Police Force logo, alongside a board labelled “Woodlands East NPC”, referencing an actual neighbourhood police centre in Singapore.
Photos circulating online show desks, chairs and office layouts designed to mimic real police facilities, suggesting the scammers had invested significant resources into making the deception convincing. Such visual authenticity is often used to pressure victims into complying with demands, particularly when they believe they are dealing with legitimate authorities.
This discovery highlights how scammers increasingly rely on psychological manipulation and visual cues, rather than just phone calls or text messages, to carry out financial fraud and identity theft.
ABANDONED COMPOUND REVEALS EXTENT OF INTERNATIONAL SCAM OPERATIONS
Thai officials told international media that the site had previously functioned as a scam hub before being abandoned amid regional tensions. Parts of the compound showed visible damage from shelling during the conflict, with debris scattered across several buildings.
Documents, electronic equipment and personal items were found strewn across the floors, indicating that those operating the scam centre may have fled in haste. The remains offer investigators valuable insight into how these operations were structured and coordinated across borders.
Beyond the fake Singapore police office, mock police stations and uniforms representing law enforcement agencies from multiple countries were also discovered. These included outfits and props linked to China, Australia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Brazil, pointing to a highly organised and globally targeted scam network.
SINGAPOREANS HIT HARD BY OFFICIAL IMPERSONATION SCAMS
The revelations come against a troubling backdrop for Singapore, where losses from government official impersonation scams remain alarmingly high. In the first half of 2025 alone, Singaporeans reportedly lost S$126.5 million to such schemes, making it one of the most damaging scam variants during that period.
Victims are often contacted under the pretext of investigations, unpaid fines or alleged criminal activity, then pressured into transferring funds or sharing sensitive banking details. These scams can lead to devastating financial consequences, including drained savings accounts and long-term credit issues.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, verify any claims made by supposed officials, and avoid sharing personal or financial information. With cybercrime, online fraud and financial security concerns growing worldwide, the discovery of this fake police office serves as a sobering reminder of how convincing modern scams have become—and why constant public awareness remains crucial.