Two S'porean men deported from Thailand and Cambodia to face scam-related charges
Two Singaporean men, both aged 44, have been arrested following their deportation from Thailand and Cambodia for their suspected involvement in transnational scam operations and money mule offences.
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), one of the men was arrested by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) during a raid in Bangkok. He was allegedly part of a transnational scam syndicate believed to have operated a scam centre in Myanmar that targeted Singaporeans through Government Officials Impersonation Scams (GOIS).
Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had travelled to Myanmar and was involved in administrative functions at the scam centre before fleeing to Thailand after it was raided by local authorities.
With the assistance of the RTP's Immigration Bureau, he was deported and arrested upon his arrival in Singapore on Nov 11.
The second man was arrested by the Cambodia National Police for his alleged participation in a transnational scam syndicate operating from Krong Bavet,Cambodia. Police said the man had allegedly served as a translator for the syndicate.
His bank accounts in Singapore were also believed to have been used to receive illicit funds from scam activities. He was similarly deported and arrested upon arrival in Singapore on Nov 11.
Both men will be charged in court on Nov 13. The first man will face a charge of abetment to commit unauthorised access to computer material under the Computer Misuse Act 1993, while the second will be charged with abetment by conspiracy to cheat and possessing property reasonably suspected to be benefits from criminal conduct.
The offences carry imprisonment terms of up to three years, fines of up to $150,000, or both.
According to police, GOIS cases nearly tripled in the first half of 2025 - rising by 199.2% to 1,762 cases from 589 cases in the same period last year. The amount lost to such scams also surged by 88.3% to about $126.5 million.
Director of the Commercial Affairs Department, Mr David Chew, said: "These cases highlight the evolving tactics of transnational scam syndicates who are engaging Singaporeans with unique local knowledge to target victims from scam centres located in diverse jurisdictions."
Mr Chew also noted that SPF's strong partnerships with its regional counterparts have been key in bringing such criminals to justice.
The SPF said it remains committed to working with international law enforcement partners to combat transnational scams and will "spare no effort to bring criminals to justice, even those operating beyond our borders."
Members of the public are advised to reject requests from others to use their bank accounts or mobile lines, as they will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes.
Anyone with information about such scams may call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.
