Two men, a 22-year-old Malaysian and a 20-year-old Singaporean, are set to be charged in court on Friday (Feb 6) for their alleged roles in government official impersonation scams that involved victims handing over cash and jewellery, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Thursday.
Preliminary investigations suggest the duo were tasked by unidentified individuals, believed to be part of a transnational scam syndicate, to collect valuables and cash from victims and pass them on to other unknown parties.
The men will face charges of abetment by conspiracy to assist another in retaining benefits from criminal conduct. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to 10 years’ imprisonment, fined up to S$500,000, or both. Authorities are also investigating their potential involvement in additional similar cases. The police will seek a remand order to facilitate further inquiries.
Victims Targeted in Scams
One victim, an elderly woman, reported on Jan 30 that she had received a call from someone claiming to be from Trust Bank, alleging misuse of her SingPass for a credit card application and unauthorised transactions. She was then transferred to a caller claiming to be from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), who told her she was under investigation for a S$2.5 million money laundering case. She was instructed to hand over cash, watches, and jewellery worth over S$90,000 to an “investigation officer.”
The woman handed her valuables to the Malaysian man near Bishan Street 12. She was later asked to transfer her fixed deposit to another account, but her son intervened, preventing the transaction.
In a separate case, a second woman lodged a police report on Feb 4 after receiving a call purportedly from HSBC Bank about unauthorised credit card transactions. The caller transferred her to someone claiming to be an MHA officer, alleging her involvement in a money laundering case and instructing her to hand over gold jewellery worth about S$62,900. She delivered the items to the same Malaysian man near Seletar Hills Estate but contacted police after suspecting foul play, preventing any money transfer.
A third victim reported on Jan 23 that she was contacted by someone claiming to be from UnionPay Insurance regarding multiple insurance policies. She was later instructed by an “MHA officer” to hand over S$10,000, which she gave to the Singaporean man.
Both suspects were arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint on Feb 4 while attempting to leave Singapore, with the stolen valuables recovered in their possession.
Rising Trend of Scam Mules
SPF highlighted a growing trend of Malaysian nationals acting as cash and valuables collectors for scam syndicates in Singapore.
Scammers and syndicate recruiters face mandatory caning ranging from six to 24 strokes. Scam mules who launder proceeds may receive discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes, alongside restrictions on banking services and mobile line subscriptions to prevent further facilitation of scams.
“The police take a serious stance against anyone involved in scams, and offenders will be prosecuted under the law,” SPF said.
Authorities reminded the public never to transfer money or valuables to unknown individuals, leave them for collection, or share device screens and login credentials. Government officials will never ask for money transfers, bank log-in details, app downloads from unofficial sources, or phone calls to be transferred to the police.
