A 27-year-old Malaysian man suspected of masterminding a scam and money laundering syndicate operating in Singapore has been arrested and handed over to Singapore police.
The man, known as “Da Xiang”, was arrested in Malaysia on Sept 22 before being handed over to the Singapore Police Force on the same day. Police allege that he recruited and coordinated Malaysians to carry out government official impersonation scams and money laundering activities in Singapore.
Preliminary investigations found that he had met at least four Malaysian runners in Malaysia, assigned them tasks, coordinated ATM withdrawals and paid them for their work.
Police also alleged that the runners collected gold items from scam victims and brought them back to Johor Bahru, where they were handed over to the suspect.
Authorities believe the man was responsible for laundering at least S$500,000 in scam and other illicit proceeds.
He is expected to be charged in Singapore on Sept 23 with criminal conspiracy to assist another person in retaining benefits from criminal conduct. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to S$500,000.
Singapore police also said they have observed an increasing trend of Malaysians travelling to Singapore to help scam syndicates collect cash and valuables from victims
