Three Malaysians arrested hours after entering Singapore over alleged scam-linked ATM withdrawal operation

SINGAPORE: Three Malaysian men aged between 22 and 24 were arrested within six hours of entering Singapore after allegedly arriving in the republic to carry out tasks for a Malaysia-based scam syndicate.

The men were charged on 20 June 2026 for their alleged involvement in cross-border scam operations.

In a press release, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said The operation was launched after officers from the Anti-Scam Command and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority received information about a 23-year-old Malaysian suspected of being linked to scam activities.

Investigations subsequently led officers to two alleged accomplices who had entered Singapore with him.

All three men were arrested shortly after arriving in the republic, according to 8World News.

Scam syndicate instructions

Preliminary investigations revealed that the trio had allegedly received instructions from a scam syndicate based in Malaysia to conduct automated teller machine (ATM) withdrawals at various locations across Singapore.

Police said the suspects were believed to have travelled into Singapore specifically to carry out the withdrawals and other activities linked to scam operations.

During the operation, officers recovered and seized 69 bank cards allegedly used to withdraw illicit proceeds connected to scam activities.

Authorities said the cards were linked to withdrawals amounting to about S$200,000 in scam losses across more than 20 cases.

The police added that investigations into the wider syndicate activities remain ongoing.

Charges filed against trio

The 23-year-old suspect was charged with assisting others to retain criminal proceeds.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.

His alleged accomplices, aged 22 and 24, were charged with unauthorised access to computer material.

The offence carries a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.

The charges were filed on 20 June 2026.

Growing concern over cross-border scam activity

The SPF highlighted what it described as a growing trend of Malaysians travelling to Singapore to facilitate scam syndicates.

According to police, such individuals are often tasked with collecting cash, valuables and gold bars from scam victims, as well as withdrawing criminal proceeds from bank accounts and ATMs.

Authorities warned that individuals acting as scam mules face severe legal consequences under Singapore law.

"The Singapore Police Force takes a serious stance against anyone involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law," the force said.

Tougher anti-scam laws in force

Police also reiterated Singapore's strengthened anti-scam legislation, which introduced tougher penalties for scammers, syndicate members and recruiters.

With effect from 30 December 2025, scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, with penalties that can increase to 24 strokes.

Authorities said scam mules who facilitate scam operations by laundering criminal proceeds, supplying SIM cards or providing Singpass credentials may also face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.

The enhanced penalties apply to certain money-laundering offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, Singpass-related offences under the Computer Misuse Act, and selected SIM card offences under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.

Separate anti-scam crackdown

In a separate islandwide anti-scam enforcement operation conducted between 4 June and 17 June 2026, police investigated 216 individuals suspected of involvement in more than 406 scam cases.

Reported losses linked to those cases exceeded S$9 million.

The investigations covered a wide range of scam types, including e-commerce scams, job scams, investment scams, government official impersonation scams, friend impersonation scams and rental scams.

Police said the latest arrests underscore ongoing efforts to disrupt scam syndicates operating across borders and to prevent criminal networks from exploiting Singapore's financial systems.

Authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant against scam tactics and warned that anyone who assists scam syndicates, whether by handling criminal proceeds, providing bank accounts or facilitating transactions, could face serious criminal penalties.

According to data released in February 2026 by the police, 37,308 scam cases were reported in 2025, down from 51,501 in 2024.

This contributed to a 24.8 per cent decline in total scam and cybercrime cases, which fell to 41,974.

However, scams remained the primary driver, accounting for 88.9 per cent of cases.

Total financial losses also declined by 17.9 per cent, from S$1.124 billion in 2024 to approximately S$913.1 million in 2025.