34-year-old suspect accused of online fraud after absconding bail and jailed in Thailand.
A Singaporean man has been arrested after being deported from Thailand, accused of hacking into FairPrice and Zalora accounts to make fraudulent purchases worth at least S$25,000.
Fraudulent Purchases Exposed
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said it received multiple reports of compromised NTUC FairPrice and Zalora accounts between July and November 2022. The accounts were allegedly used to make unauthorized purchases totaling at least S$25,000 (US$19,400).
Suspect Identified and Tracked
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Ong Jian Zhen, had allegedly worked with at least six accomplices. Ong was first charged in October 2021 with cheating but absconded while on bail. When he failed to attend court hearings, the State Courts issued a warrant of arrest on September 8, 2022.
Arrested Abroad for Separate Offences
Ong was eventually tracked overseas with the help of foreign law enforcement agencies. Thai authorities arrested him in October 2022, where he was later jailed for drug-related and immigration offences.
Deportation and Arrest in Singapore
After serving his sentence, Ong was released from Thai prison on July 30, 2025, and detained at an immigration centre. On August 25, he was deported to Singapore, where police arrested him upon arrival with assistance from the Royal Thai Police.
Pending Court Charge
Ong is expected to be charged in court on August 26 with the offence of unauthorised access to computer material. If found guilty, he faces up to two years’ jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
Broader Implications of Cybercrime
Authorities highlighted that online fraud and hacking cases continue to pose a significant threat to both consumers and businesses. The case underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling cybercrime and ensuring offenders face justice.
The arrest of Ong Jian Zhen illustrates Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on cybercrime and the value of international law enforcement collaboration. For Singaporeans and regional partners, the case serves as a reminder of the growing need for vigilance and cybersecurity awareness in the digital economy.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Singaporean Hacker, FairPrice Scam, Zalora Fraud, Thailand Deportation, Cybercrime Arrest, Online Fraud
