S'porean man, 38, allegedly helped scam woman of over S$920,000, believed to be involved with syndicate

A 38-year-old Singaporean man will be charged after he allegedly helped to scam a woman of over S$920,000.

He is believed to be involved with persons from a transnational scam syndicate.

The scam

The victim had received a call from a person claiming to be from HSBC, and told her about an HSBC credit card under her name.

When she denied having an HSBC credit card, she was transferred to a person claiming to be from the Ministry of Law, and then to another person claiming to be from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

They claimed she was involved in a money laundering case and told her to hand over her valuables as part of the investigation.

The victim complied, and handed over valuables comprising gold and luxury watches worth more than S$920,000 to two individuals.

She later realised she had been scammed and lodged a police report on Feb. 10.

The arrest

Police officers subsequently identified the 38-year-old man, who had collected valuables from other individuals involved in the scam.

He was arrested on Mar. 13, 2026.

According to preliminary investigations, he had received valuables from unknown persons on numerous occasions, who are believed to be part of a transnational scam syndicate.

Over S$92,500 in cash, a cash counting machine, and three mobile devices were seized.

He is also suspected to be involved in other cases.

Penalties

He will be charged for abetment by conspiracy to possess or use property from criminal conduct.

If convicted, he could be jailed up to three years, fined up to S$150,000, or both.

Scammers, or members or recruiters of scam syndicates, also face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, up to a maximum of 24 strokes.

Scam mules who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds may also be caned up to 12 strokes.

The police reminded members of the public to never transfer cash, jewellery or other valuables to unknown persons; never leave money or valuables at a location to facilitate collection; and never share the screen of devices, or disclose login credentials, to unknown persons.

If you are in doubt, you can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit information online here. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

For more information on scams, visit this website or call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799.

Top image from SPF.