Malaysian man and woman arrested in Singapore for suspected role in impersonation scams
A 27-year-old Malaysian man and a 34-year-old Malaysian woman have been arrested for their suspected involvement in Government Officials Impersonation Scams (GOIS).
Their arrests bring the total number of Malaysians nabbed since March 2026 for helping scam syndicates collect cash, gold, and other valuables in Singapore to 19.
Man allegedly entered Singapore to collect gold from victim
According to a Singapore Police Force (SPF) news release, officers received information on Monday (27 April) that the 27-year-old had entered Singapore on instructions from a scam syndicate to collect cash and gold from a victim.
Officers from the Anti-Scam Command tracked him down and arrested him within four hours.
Investigations showed he was on his way to collect about S$100,000 worth of gold bars from a 71-year-old victim.
Source: Singapore Police Force
Victim misled into buying gold to ‘prove innocence’
The 71-year-old had earlier received a call from someone posing as a Simba Telecom staff member, who claimed his personal details had been used to open a bank account linked to criminal activity.
After he denied the claim, the call was transferred to scammers posing as Ministry of Law representatives.
They falsely told him he was under investigation for money laundering and instructed him to prove his funds were legitimate.
Following these instructions, the victim purchased around S$100,000 worth of gold bars. Police intervened before he could hand them over.
Woman linked to same syndicate, acted as collection mule
Further investigations led officers to a 34-year-old Malaysian woman believed to be part of the same syndicate. She was arrested later that day.
She is suspected to have acted as a courier, collecting cash, gold, and valuables from victims before transporting them back to Malaysia.
During her arrest, police recovered jewellery belonging to another victim, a 54-year-old woman.
Source: Singapore Police Force
The 54-year-old had received a call from someone posing as a Standard Chartered Bank employee, who claimed her details were tied to money laundering activities.
Her call was later transferred to scammers impersonating police officers, who convinced her she was under investigation.
She was told to hand over valuables to prove her innocence, and subsequently passed about S$24,000 worth of jewellery to the suspect. All items were recovered.
Both suspects to be charged
The pair will be charged on Wednesday (29 April) with assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct under Section 51 of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.
If convicted, they face up to 10 years’ jail, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
Police added that they have observed a growing trend of Malaysian nationals travelling to Singapore to assist scam syndicates.
Since 30 Dec 2025, those involved in such scams may also face caning, depending on their role.
The Police reminded the public not to hand over cash or valuables to unknown individuals, or leave items for collection.
They also cautioned against sharing banking details or device access with strangers.
Government officials will never ask for money transfers over the phone, request login credentials, direct you to install unofficial apps, or transfer calls to the Police.
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Featured image adapted from Singapore Police Force.
