SINGAPORE – Law enforcement agencies continue to tackle the rising trend of scams, focusing on those impersonating government officials. This effort has led to the recent arrests of two Singaporean men and a Malaysian national involved in separate cases of scamming.
Arrest of Malaysian Suspect
A 37-year-old Malaysian man is facing charges related to government official impersonation scams after his arrest on 14 November 2024. He is expected to be charged on 15 November, with offences involving conspiracy to assist others in retaining benefits from criminal conduct.
- Claimed to be a staff member from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
- Scammed a victim into surrendering over $4,400 in cash and valuables worth around $2,000.
The scam followed a common pattern, with the victim receiving calls from individuals claiming to be from government agencies and alleging her involvement in money laundering. The police reiterated that legitimate officials will never ask for money transfers or personal banking details over the phone.
Singaporean Suspects Arrested Abroad
In another case, two Singaporean men, aged 27 and 32, were arrested in connection with a scam ring operating in Cambodia. Wayne Soh You Chen and Brian Sie Eng Fa were deported to Singapore on 16 November 2024, and are set to face charges for facilitating serious offences linked to an organised crime group.
- They are among 34 individuals identified through investigations in Cambodia.
- Believed to be responsible for at least 438 cases of impersonation scams, costing victims over $41 million.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) emphasised ongoing collaboration with international law enforcement, with successful joint operations yielding crucial results against organised crime.
Public Awareness and Caution
Both cases highlight the importance of public vigilance against scams. The police urge individuals to verify the identities of callers claiming to be from government agencies and to not hand over money or valuables without proper confirmation.
Anyone in doubt can contact the ScamShield helpline at 1799. Remember—scammers are getting cleverer, so stay alert!