Transnational syndicate that scammed S'porean victims of over $1.4 million gets busted

A transnational scam syndicate allegedly involved in fake friend call scams targeting Singaporean victims was busted in a raid conducted in Johor, Malaysia.

This comes after a joint operation conducted by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) and the Johor Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP).

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said that more than 6,300 victims have fallen prey to fake friend call scams from Jan 2023 to Nov 2023, with total losses amounting to at least S$21.1 million.

They added: "Pursuant to these reports, SPF and RMP collaborated and shared information on these scams."

On Jan 16, officers from RMP conducted a raid on two apartments in Johor, leading to the arrest of five Malaysian men, aged between 19 and 36, for their suspected involvement in fake friend call scams targeting Singaporeans.

The men were extradited to Singapore on Jan 23 and will be charged in court on Jan 24 for conspiracy to cheat, which is punishable with up to 10 years in jail and a fine.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate started their scam operations in June 2023.

The syndicate is believed to be involved in more than 500 reports made, with total losses of more than $1.4 million.

Mr David Chew, director of CAD, said: "The Singapore Police Force has been working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police to detect and cripple these transnational scam syndicates who prey on our citizens.

"I would like to thank Johor Police Chief, Commissioner Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat and his officers from the Johor Commercial Crime Investigations Department for their strong support and commitment in tackling transnational crime syndicates.

"We will continue to take tough action against individuals who perpetuate e scams even if they are based overseas."

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688.

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