Post by : Shakul

Singapore authorities have charged another member of a large Cambodia-based scam syndicate accused of cheating victims out of more than S$53 million, equivalent to around RM164 million. The latest suspect, 30-year-old Ngiam Siow Jui, appeared in court after being linked to an international fraud network operating from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Investigators believe the group was involved in hundreds of scam cases targeting victims across Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia.

According to court documents, Ngiam was charged under Singapore’s Organised Crime Act for allegedly working as a scam caller at a call centre located in Phnom Penh. Authorities claim the operation used sophisticated methods to deceive victims into transferring large sums of money through fake investment schemes, impersonation calls, and online fraud activities. The case is considered one of the largest organised scam investigations currently being handled by Singaporean authorities.

Police said Ngiam was arrested earlier by the Cambodian National Police in Phnom Penh before being repatriated to Singapore on May 4. During his court appearance, prosecutors requested that he remain in custody for another week to assist with ongoing investigations. Officials also informed the court that the suspect could be taken along on police operations aimed at recovering evidence connected to the fraud syndicate.

Investigators revealed that the scam network is linked to at least 535 reported scam cases in Singapore alone. Authorities believe the syndicate operated through organised call centres, often referred to as boiler rooms, which were allegedly set up to target unsuspecting victims across the region. The scams reportedly caused major financial losses and raised serious concerns about the growing reach of transnational cybercrime groups operating in Southeast Asia.

The syndicate first came under major police action on September 9, 2025, when the Singapore Police Force carried out a coordinated operation across both Singapore and Cambodia. The large-scale crackdown led to several arrests and the identification of key individuals believed to be leading the criminal organisation. Since then, authorities have continued working with international law enforcement agencies to track down additional suspects.

Police identified the alleged mastermind of the syndicate as 32-year-old Ng Wei Liang, who remains on the run. Despite his disappearance, several people connected to his inner circle have already been arrested and formally charged. Among them are his brother Ng Wei Kang, his girlfriend Christy Neo Wei En, and his cousin Lester Ng Jing Hai. All three were among the first suspects charged during the early stages of the investigation last year.

Authorities also confirmed that the scam network had links to Malaysia. Out of 34 individuals identified as being involved in the organisation, seven are Malaysian nationals. While several suspects remain fugitives, police said at least five people connected to the syndicate have already been arrested. One of them is Malaysian citizen Bernard Goh Yie Shen, along with several Singaporean suspects believed to have played important roles in the operation.

Singapore police are now intensifying efforts to locate the remaining fugitives connected to the syndicate. On May 5, authorities announced that Interpol had issued Red Notices against two additional Singaporean suspects identified as Jonathan Boneta and Lee Ding Hao. Both men are believed to be outside Singapore and are currently being sought by international law enforcement agencies.

The case has shocked many people across the region because of the large amount of money involved and the highly organised nature of the operation. Authorities warned that Cambodia-based scam centres continue to pose a serious threat to Southeast Asian countries due to their ability to operate across borders using digital technology and fake identities. If convicted under the Organised Crime Act, Ngiam could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to S$100,000, or both penalties together.

#Asia News #Singapore News #police news #Cambodia #Cybersecurity