Malaysian syndicate mastermind, 27, arrested for scam and money laundering operations in Singapore
On Tuesday (22 Sept), the Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced the arrest of a 27-year-old Malaysian man for scam and money laundering operations in Singapore.
The man, nicknamed “Da Xiang”, was a syndicate mastermind coordinating Government Official Impersonation Scam (GOIS) and money laundering operations.
The police revealed the SPF’s Cyber Command and the Royal Malaysia Police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (RMP-CCID) worked together to coordinate the arrest.
‘Da Xiang’ recruited runners to operate scams
Source: Singapore Police Force
According to the police, “Da Xiang” was allegedly responsible for recruiting and coordinating Malaysians to conduct scam and money laundering operations in Singapore.
On 22 Sept, the man was arrested in Malaysia pursuant to a Warrant of Arrest issued by the Singapore authorities.
He was handed over to the SPF on the same day.
Preliminary investigations revealed that “Da Xiang” met with at least four Malaysian runners on multiple occasions in Malaysia.
Additionally, he assigned tasks, coordinated ATM withdrawals, and disbursed their earnings.
Source: RDNE Stock project on Pexels, for illustration purposes only
Under his instructions, the runners brought gold items collected from scam victims during their assignments.
They later travelled back to Johor Bahru and physically handed the items to him.
Police said that “Da Xiang” is linked to laundering at least S$500,000 in scam and illicit proceeds.
Source: Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels, for illustration purposes only
Charged for criminal conspiracy on 23 Sept
The man was charged in court on 23 Sept with criminal conspiracy to assist another to retain benefits from criminal conduct.
Image by MS News
The offence carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.
The police note an increasing trend of Malaysian nationals travelling to Singapore to assist scam syndicates in collecting cash and valuables from scam victims.
As a warning, SPF reminded the public that they take a serious stance against those involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Thanks RMP-CCID for cooperation and assistance in arrest
Source: @singaporepoliceforce on Instagram
Lastly, the police expressed their appreciation to RMP-CCID for their “invaluable cooperation and assistance in facilitating the arrest”.
The Commander of Cyber Command, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Justin Wong said: “Scam syndicates know no borders. It is only through close and sustained cooperation with our international partners that we can effectively dismantle these criminal networks.”
He added: “The Royal Malaysia Police has been an invaluable partner in this effort, and we thank them for their close cooperation with the SPF to apprehend the syndicate mastermind.”
Government officials will never ask you to transfer money
As a reminder, SPF said that Singapore Government officials will never ask the public to transfer money, cash, jewellery or any other valuables to unknown persons over the phone.
The police would like to remind members of the public to remain vigilant.
Do not trust unsolicited calls, messages or emails, even if the caller appears to possess their personal information. If in doubt, call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 to check.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg.
Also read: 41-year-old man to be charged with forging over 180 unauthorised bookings in SUTD
41-year-old man to be charged with forging over 180 unauthorised bookings in SUTD
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Featured image adapted from Singapore Police Force and Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.