Malaysian authorities arrest 5 people linked to S$820k job scam targeting Singaporeans

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) joined forces last week in Kuala Lumpur to dismantle a transnational scam syndicate, as reported by SPF on Wednesday (27 Mar).

On 20 March 2024, the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) of SPF collaborated with the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to dismantle a transnational scam syndicate.

According to the SPF report, between 1 October 2023 and 31 January 2024, over 3,000 individuals fell victim to job scams, resulting in losses totalling at least S$45.7 million (approximately US$33.9 million).

Responding to these reports, SPF conducted thorough investigative probes and shared information with RMP to identify and dismantle crime syndicates targeting Singaporeans.

“The efforts paid off when the Malaysian criminal syndicate that was operating in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was located,” said SPF.

On 20 March 2024, officers from CCID/RMP conducted a raid at an apartment complex in Kuala Lumpur, leading to the arrest of three male and two female Malaysians, aged between 23 and 28, suspected of laundering proceeds from job and other scams targeting Singaporeans.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate started their scam operations early this year,” said SPF.

It is believed to be involved in at least 40 Singapore police reports, with total losses exceeding S$820,000 (US$608,200).

The five Malaysians are remanded by PDRM for further investigation.

David Chew, Director of CAD, emphasized the severity of job scams, which ranked as the top scam type in terms of reported cases in 2023 and the second highest in terms of losses to victims.

He highlighted the increasing prevalence of job scams in 2024 as a serious concern.

To combat this transnational scam threat, SPF collaborates closely with RMP.

Chew expressed gratitude to Director CCID, Commissioner Dato‘ Sri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, and his team for their strong support and commitment in tackling transnational crime syndicates targeting citizens.

“We will continue to take tough action to afford these criminals no safe haven. Working with our foreign counterparts, we will detect, disable and bring to justice criminal syndicates wherever they choose to operate,” he said.

The SPF remind members of the public to be cautious of scammers on dating apps or social media platforms offering easy commissions for tasks like boosting products, completing surveys, or generating traction on social media.

Never deposit money into unknown bank accounts for promised commissions, and never disclose your Singpass credentials during job applications.

The SPF advise the public to consider adding the ScamShield App and setting security features.

Additionally, they recommend checking for scam signs using official sources such as www.scamalert.sg or by calling the Anti-Scam hotline at 1800-722-6688.