The international syndicate is accused of impersonating government officials in scams that defrauded Singapore victims of at least S$41 million.
Singapore police have launched an international manhunt for 27 Singaporeans and seven Malaysians believed to be part of a Cambodia-based scam syndicate that targeted victims in government official impersonation scams. The group is accused of defrauding Singaporeans of at least S$41 million (US$31.7 million).
Large-Scale Scam Targeting Singapore Victims
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) revealed that the syndicate operated out of a scam compound in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, running elaborate schemes in which fraudsters posed as government officials. Victims were manipulated into transferring money under false pretenses, believing they were assisting in investigations or settling legal issues.
The syndicate is believed to be responsible for at least 438 reported cases, resulting in total losses of more than S$41 million. Police say the suspects are currently outside Singapore and are working with Interpol and international law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest them.
Arrests in Singapore Following Joint Raid
The suspects were identified following a joint enforcement operation between the SPF and the Cambodian National Police on September 9, 2025. The raid targeted the group’s operations in Phnom Penh.
The operation led to the arrest of 15 individuals — including 12 Singaporeans, two Malaysians, and one Filipino national — who were later charged in Singapore on September 11 and 12 for being members of an organised criminal group with local links.
New Suspects Identified
Following further investigation, the SPF uncovered evidence implicating 27 additional Singaporeans and seven Malaysians believed to have worked within the same compound in Cambodia.
Warrants of arrest have been issued for all 34 suspects, and Interpol Red Notices are being pursued to facilitate their capture.
The wanted Singaporeans include Ng Wei Liang, Andrew Tay Jing An, Finan Siow, Francis Tan Thuan Heng, Jonathan Pek Ser Siang, Lam Yong Yan, and Leon Chia Tee Song, among others. The seven Malaysian suspects were identified as Tang Soon Fai, Kang Liang Yee, Tang Soon Wah, Hoe Ming Wei, Pang Han Ee, Bernard Goh Yie Shen, and Yip Chee Hoe.
SPF: No Safe Haven for Scam Operators
In its statement, the Singapore Police Force reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance toward criminal syndicates targeting Singaporeans:
“The SPF will spare no effort to pursue criminals who base their operations locally or overseas and target Singapore.”
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts to contact the SPF hotline at 1800-255-0000 or +65 6255 0000 (for overseas callers), or to submit details online. All information will be treated as strictly confidential.
Expanding Regional Cooperation Against Scams
The case underscores the growing challenge of cross-border scam networks in Southeast Asia, particularly those exploiting digital communication tools and overseas compounds. The SPF’s continued collaboration with Cambodian police and Interpol highlights Singapore’s broader effort to strengthen international enforcement against transnational fraud operations.
As scam syndicates evolve across borders, Singapore’s collaboration with regional and global law enforcement agencies signals its determination to protect citizens from sophisticated financial crimes. The crackdown in Cambodia marks another step in dismantling syndicates that exploit technology and jurisdictional gaps to target unsuspecting victims.
Sources: CNA (2025) , Business Times (2025)
Keywords: Singaporeans Wanted, Cambodia Scam, Government Impersonation, Interpol, Scam Syndicate, Cross-Border Fraud
