Cross-Border Scam Syndicate Busted: 12 Arrested in Singapore After CAD$40M Impersonation Fraud

A major cross-border operation between Singapore and Cambodia has dismantled part of a sophisticated scam syndicate. The bust resulted in 12 arrests in Singapore, following raids in Phnom Penh that targeted call centers responsible for impersonation scams costing victims over S$40 million.

What Happened

• Joint Operation: Conducted on September 9, 2025, by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Cambodian National Police (CNP).
• Arrests in Singapore: 12 individuals were detained—eight Singaporean men, one Singaporean woman, two Malaysian men, and one Filipino woman.
• Scale of Crime: Linked to at least 330 scam cases involving impersonations of government officials and bank employees.

How the Scam Worked

1. Initial Contact: Victims received phone calls pretending to be from bank representatives.
2. Fake Officials: Calls were escalated to syndicate members posing as police officers or MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) staff.
3. Deceptive Claims: Victims were told their accounts were under investigation.
4. Money Transfers: They were pressured into transferring funds to accounts controlled by the syndicate.

Evidence & Seizures

Authorities uncovered:

• S$2.5 million in bank accounts and crypto wallets.
• 53 electronic devices including laptops and phones.
• Scripts and victim records used to conduct fraudulent calls.

Legal Proceedings

• The 12 suspects face charges under the Organised Crime Act for involvement in an organised criminal group.
• Convictions could mean up to five years in prison, a fine of S$100,000, or both.
• SPF emphasized that further syndicate members remain at large, with investigations ongoing.

Why It Matters

This case highlights the growing sophistication of impersonation scams. Criminals are using cross-border operations, VOIP technology, and cryptocurrency to scale their schemes. Authorities stress vigilance, warning that anyone can fall victim to these convincing frauds.

Suggested Reading

• 12 charged as alleged members of scam syndicate linked to over S$40m in losses — The Straits Times
• SPF & Cambodia police conduct cross-border raid on Phnom Penh scam syndicate — Mothership.sg
• Over $40m in losses: 12 linked to Cambodia-based scam ring arrested in Singapore — AsiaOne