News
S'pore police arrest M'sian man, 28, for his suspected role as a money laundering syndicate member
The syndicate was disrupted in March 2026.
July 24, 2026, 02:06 PM
Photo from SPF
A 28-year-old Malaysian man was arrested for allegedly being a member of a money laundering syndicate.
As a result of information provided by MariBank, the syndicate was disrupted in March 2026 during Operation Frontier+ III, a joint two-month operation targeting transnational scams.
It was conducted by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in partnership with nine foreign law enforcement agencies.
Arrest
On Jul. 20, the man was detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport after a warrant of arrest was issued by Singapore authorities.
He was subsequently handed over to the Singapore police on Jul. 21.
The man was slated to be charged on Jul. 22 for abetment by conspiracy to assist another person in retaining benefits from criminal conduct.
If convicted, offenders are liable to a maximum jail term of 10 years, a fine up to S$500,000, or both.
The police expressed gratitude towards the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) for their cooperation and assistance in facilitating the arrest.
The police also commended MariBank for their cooperation.
Law
From Dec. 30, 2025, convicted scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates are liable to at least six strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 24 strokes.
Convicted scam mules who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds are liable to face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
This includes certain money laundering offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.
The police said they take a serious stance against anyone who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The police also reminded members of the public to never transfer cash, jewellery or other valuables to unknown persons whose identity has not been verified, never leave money or valuables at a location to facilitate subsequent collection, and never share the screen of devices or disclose login credentials to anyone unknown.
The government will also never ask to transfer money over the phone, request banking login details, instruct the installation of mobile apps from unofficial app stores, or transfer the call to the police.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
