34-year-old allegedly sent to collect $13,700 and gold as Malaysians linked to scam pickups hit 26.
A 34-year-old Malaysian woman will be charged in Singapore for allegedly helping a police-impersonation scam syndicate collect cash and gold from a victim, bringing the number of Malaysians caught as in-person “agents” since March to 26.
Modus Operandi: “You’re Under Investigation”
Police said a female victim received a call on May 19 from someone posing as a police officer who claimed her identity had been misused in money laundering. The caller instructed her to provide banking and personal details, warned her not to tell anyone – including family – and then directed her to withdraw cash and hand over assets for supposed “investigation purposes.”
Pickup In Kovan And Arrest At Exit
Following the instructions, the victim withdrew $13,700 and surrendered the cash and gold items to an “agent” at Kovan. Officers from the Anti-Scam Command conducted extensive ground enquiries and follow-up investigations, arresting the 34-year-old Malaysian woman the same day as she attempted to leave Singapore.
Links To Transnational Syndicate
Preliminary investigations indicate the woman had been tasked by unknown persons, believed to be part of a transnational crime syndicate, to collect cash and valuables from the victim. Police seized two gold bars belonging to the victim from the suspect as case exhibits.
Growing Number Of Malaysian Couriers
Her expected charge on May 21 follows a May 9 case in which another 26-year-old Malaysian woman was charged for helping a syndicate collect jewellery, and raises to 26 the tally of Malaysians caught in Singapore since March for allegedly acting as in-person couriers for scam networks. If convicted of assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct, the suspect faces up to 10 years’ jail, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
Public Advisory: Stop, Hang Up And Tell Someone
Police reminded the public that genuine government officials will never ask for money transfers over the phone, request banking login details, transfer calls to the police, or instruct anyone to install mobile apps from unofficial stores. Those in doubt should stop engaging the caller, talk to a trusted person, and call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 for advice.
The latest arrest shows that syndicates continue to rely on cross-border couriers to pick up scam proceeds in person, even as police ramp up enforcement. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, staying safe means treating any “you are under investigation” call as a red flag, refusing to hand over money or valuables, and alerting authorities promptly so these networks can be disrupted.
Sources: Asia One (2026) , Straits Times (2026)
Keywords: Kovan Scam Case, Malaysian Courier Arrested, Cash And Gold Collection, Anti-Scam Command, ScamShield Helpline
