Singaporean linked to Cambodia scam network arrested in Phnom Penh

A 30-year-old Singaporean man accused of involvement in a Cambodia-based organised scam syndicate targeting victims in Singapore has been arrested in Phnom Penh and returned to Singapore, authorities said.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said Ngiam Siow Jui was arrested by the Cambodian National Police (CNP) in Phnom Penh following close cooperation and intelligence sharing between the two agencies.

Ngiam was among 34 suspects earlier sought by Singaporean authorities in connection with investigations into an organised criminal group allegedly operating from Cambodia.

He was repatriated to Singapore on 4 May and arrested upon arrival. Authorities said he will be charged in court on 6 May with facilitating the commission of a serious offence in furtherance of the illegal purpose of a locally linked organised criminal group under Singapore's Organised Crime Act 2015.

If convicted, he faces up to five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$100,000, or both.

According to the SPF, the syndicate is believed to be linked to at least 535 reported scam cases involving losses of around S$53 million.

The group allegedly operated from a scam compound in Phnom Penh that was disrupted during a joint operation by Singaporean and Cambodian police on 9 September 2025.

Singaporean authorities said they had previously seized assets linked to the syndicate and issued prohibition of disposal orders as part of ongoing investigations.

The SPF also announced that additional INTERPOL Red Notices were issued on 25 March against two other Singaporean men believed to be members of the syndicate.

The two suspects — Jonathan Boneta, 27, and Lee Ding Hao, 33 — are believed to be outside Singapore and remain at large.

The SPF said it would continue working closely with foreign law enforcement agencies to track down suspects involved in scams targeting victims in Singapore.