Jewellery, lies, and a fake govt officer: Malaysian to face charges in Singapore impersonation racket

SINGAPORE, May 29 — A 27-year-old Malaysian man is expected to appear before a Singapore court tomorrow, accused of helping a transnational scam syndicate collect cash and jewellery from victims — including one who was tricked into believing she was under investigation for money laundering.

According to The Straits Times, Singapore police said today that they received a report the previous day from a victim who had answered a call about a television purchase. The caller, claiming to be from Harvey Norman Singapore, was unknown to her.

When the woman denied making any such purchase, the call was transferred to another individual posing as an officer from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This fake official told her she was linked to money-laundering activities.

Pretending to assist with investigations, the scammer then instructed her to meet a man near Anchorvale Crescent and hand over all her jewellery. It was only after she complied that she realised she had been cheated and made a police report.

Officers from Singapore’s Anti-Scam Command identified and arrested the Malaysian man on the same day. Preliminary investigations suggest he was tasked by individuals believed to be members of a cross-border scam ring to collect valuables or cash from victims.

He will be charged with abetment by conspiracy to assist another person to retain benefits from criminal conduct. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to S$500,000 (RM1.6 million), or both.

This marks the 30th arrest of a Malaysian national in Singapore for helping scam syndicates collect cash and valuables since March, police said. They noted a rising trend of Malaysians travelling to the city-state for such activities.

المصدر: Malay Mail