SINGAPORE, CAMBODIA – Authorities have launched an international manhunt for 34 fugitives accused of running a vast cross-border fraud operation that siphoned millions of dollars from victims in Singapore.
A sophisticated network exposed
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) revealed that the suspects — 27 Singaporeans and 7 Malaysians — allegedly operated from a dedicated “scam compound” in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. From there, the group reportedly impersonated government officials to convince unsuspecting individuals in Singapore to transfer large sums of money.
Investigators linked the syndicate to 438 separate cases, with total losses estimated at US$41 million (around €37 million). The magnitude of the operation underscored, police said, that it was one of the largest fraud cases Singapore had ever faced.
Joint raids and early arrests
The first breakthrough came on 9 September, when joint operations between the Singapore and Cambodian police led to the arrest of 15 suspects — including 12 Singaporeans, two Malaysians and one Filipino. Those detained were extradited to Singapore to face trial.
For investigators, this initial round of arrests only hinted at the scale of the network. Analysis of digital evidence and witness statements in Cambodia then identified another 34 individuals still on the run, believed to be part of the same organized crime ring.
Interpol notices issued worldwide
Determined to find the fugitives, Singaporean authorities turned to Interpol, requesting Red Notices for all 34 suspects. These notices serve as international alerts asking police forces across the world to locate and provisionally arrest wanted individuals for extradition.
In a firm statement, the SPF said:
“WE WILL SPARE NO EFFORT TO PURSUE CRIMINALS WHO TARGET SINGAPORE, WHETHER THEY OPERATE LOCALLY OR ABROAD.
” The agency stressed that cooperation with global law enforcement partners was essential to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Public help and transparency
In a rare move, the names of all 34 fugitives have been made public as part of what the police described as a show of transparency and a call for international assistance. Among those listed were Ng Wei Liang, Andrew Tay Jing An, Finan Siow from Singapore and Tang Soon Fai, Kang Liang Yee, Bernard Goh Yie Shen from Malaysia.
Authorities urged anyone with knowledge of the suspects’ whereabouts to contact the police via hotline +65 6255 0000 (for overseas callers) or submit information online. They assured that all tips would be handled confidentially.
Regional concern over transnational scams
The revelations have added to growing concern about Southeast Asia’s role as a hub for cyber and financial fraud, with criminal groups exploiting weak regulation and porous borders in parts of the region. Operations run from Cambodia and Myanmar have previously ensnared citizens from neighbouring countries — including Singapore and Malaysia.
Experts have warned that combating such billion‑dollar scam industries will require tougher penalties, improved cross-border intelligence sharing and sustained cooperation among ASEAN member states.
For now, the search for the 34 remaining fugitives continues, as Singaporean investigators — backed by international partners — race to close one of the region’s most elaborate financial crime cases in recent memory.