Malaysian arrested for suspected links to Singaporean-led, Cambodia-based scam ring; 31 still at large
The group is believed to be responsible for at least 438 reported impersonation scam cases involving losses of at least S$41 million
[SINGAPORE] A Malaysian man who was among 32 remaining suspects on the run over their suspected links to a scam ring operating in Cambodia has been arrested by the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
Bernard Goh Yie Shen, 24, was nabbed by foreign police in Cambodia, and deported to Malaysia, where he was arrested by the authorities there, said the Singapore police on Monday (Nov 17).
He was handed over to the Singapore authorities that day.
Goh is believed to be a member of an organised group based in Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and said to be involved in government official impersonation scams targeting Singapore victims, said the police.
The group, operating from a scam compound in Phnom Penh, is believed to be responsible for at least 438 reported impersonation scam cases involving losses of at least S$41 million.
Thirty-four suspects were initially on the run. Two Singaporeans, deported from Cambodia and Thailand, were charged on Monday. They were the first among the 34 to be arrested, with 25 other Singaporeans and six Malaysians now still at large.
The syndicate was allegedly run by Singaporean fugitive Ng Wei Liang, who is said to have recruited his older brother, cousin and girlfriend into the scheme.
While Ng remains on the run, the other three were charged in September under the Organised Crime Act.
The group’s activities were disrupted during a joint operation by the SPF and Cambodian National Police on Sep 9 this year.
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The police said the latest arrest follows collaboration and intelligence sharing between the Singapore, Cambodian and Malaysian police.
Malaysian police previously said they had begun efforts to trace and arrest the Malaysian suspects.
As part of ongoing investigations, the SPF had earlier issued prohibition of disposal orders and seized assets linked to the group.
Goh is slated to be charged on Tuesday with facilitating the commission of a serious offence and aiding the illegal purpose of a locally linked criminal group under the Organised Crime Act.
If convicted, he faces a prison term of up to five years, a fine of up to S$100,000, or both. THE STRAITS TIMES
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