30-year-old alleged member of $53 million government impersonation scam syndicate arrested and repatriated.
A Singaporean man wanted over his suspected role in a Cambodia-based scam syndicate targeting victims here has been arrested in Phnom Penh and flown back to Singapore to face organised crime charges.
Suspect’s Arrest And Repatriation
Ngiam Siow Jui, 30, was detained by Cambodian National Police in Phnom Penh and repatriated to Singapore on May 4 after close intelligence sharing with the Singapore Police Force. SPF said on May 5 that Ngiam was one of 34 initial suspects it had been seeking in relation to a locally linked organised criminal group.
Scam Compound And Modus Operandi
The syndicate is believed to have run government official impersonation scams from a scam compound in Phnom Penh, raided on Sept 9, 2025 in a joint SPF–CNP operation. It is allegedly tied to at least 535 reported cases in Singapore, with victims losing about $53 million, and is said to be masterminded by two Singaporean brothers and their cousin.
Charges And Potential Penalties
Ngiam is expected to be charged on May 6 with one count of facilitating the commission of a serious offence to support the illegal purpose of an organised crime group, an offence that carries up to five years’ jail, a fine of up to $100,000, or both. SPF previously issued prohibition of disposal orders and seized assets linked to the network as part of ongoing investigations.
Wider Network And Additional Arrests
Police said that of the 34 original suspects, 27 are Singaporeans and seven Malaysians; five, including Ngiam, have been arrested so far. A Malaysian man not on the initial list was separately arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint on Dec 28, 2025, underscoring the breadth of the probe and continuing enforcement at border points.
Ongoing Manhunt And International Cooperation
On March 25, SPF requested additional Interpol red notices for two Singaporeans believed to be syndicate members, 27-year-old Jonathan Boneta and 33-year-old Lee Ding Hao, who remain at large overseas. SPF reiterated it will “spare no effort” in working with foreign law-enforcement partners to track down suspects targeting Singapore residents with scams.
Ngiam’s arrest and return from Cambodia highlight how Singapore is leveraging cross-border cooperation to dismantle overseas scam hubs that impersonate officials and drain local victims’ savings. Indonesians and Singaporeans alike benefit as regional police tighten joint operations, pursue fugitives abroad and encourage the public to share information that can help shut down organised fraud networks.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Asia One (2026)
Keywords: Ngiam Siow Jui, Phnom Penh Scam Compound, Government Official Impersonation, Interpol Red Notice, SPF CNP Cooperation
