A 34-year-old Malaysian man, Tan Kang Yung, has pleaded guilty to involvement in a Sarawak-based criminal syndicate that sourced Singapore bank accounts for use by online gambling operators. He admitted to multiple offences, including cheating and breaches of the Computer Misuse Act, becoming the first member of the syndicate to do so.
Tan, who was heavily indebted to loan sharks, was initially recruited as a money mule before progressing to a handler managing other mules. Over a six-month period, the syndicate secured control of 70 newly opened bank accounts across seven Singapore banks, with more than S$837,000 (RM2.6 million) moving through the accounts. Nearly S$43,000 of this sum has been linked to reported scams.
The group allegedly exploited processes within Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower related to issuing work permits to foreign workers. While residing in Sarawak in March 2024, Tan was introduced to a syndicate member known as “Ah Siang”. Between May and August 2024, he escorted 12 Malaysian mules to Singapore, assisting them in opening 39 bank accounts using in-principle approvals or work permit cards. He also obtained internet banking credentials, which were handed over to the syndicate.
Tan received RM6,500 for his involvement, comprising two months’ salary and RM1,500 in commission. In August 2024, Malaysian authorities arrested him in Johor Bahru alongside other suspects for allegedly sourcing login credentials for gambling operators, subsequently alerting Singapore’s Commercial Affairs Department. Tan was later extradited to Singapore.
Prosecutors are seeking a six-year jail sentence and a fine of approximately S$2,000. The court has adjourned the case to December for mitigation and sentencing. Tan is represented by counsel Megan Chia of Tan Rajah & Cheah.
