Two men, aged 26 and 47, are due to appear in court on June 15, 2024, for their alleged involvement in a malware-based scam targeting Singaporeans since June 2023.
In 2023, at least 1,899 victims in Singapore were tricked into downloading malware, resulting in losses of more than S$34.1 million.
The malware allowed fraudsters to remotely access victims’ devices, stealing personal and banking information and conducting fraudulent transactions.
of Singapore Police Force (SPF) To investigate these crimes, we have identified a multi-jurisdictional operation with the cooperation of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP).
As a result of joint efforts, two suspects were arrested in Malaysia on 12 June 2024 and extradited to Singapore on 14 June.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects manipulated servers to infect Android smartphones with malicious apps, taking control of the devices and fraudulently accessing bank accounts.
The SPF also worked with Taiwanese police to successfully bust a fraud syndicate in Kaohsiung, and with Hong Kong police to dismantle 52 servers controlling the malware and arrest 14 people involved in the fraud.
The suspects were charged under the Computer Misuse Act and could face fines of up to $50,000 and up to seven years in prison.
The 47-year-old faces additional charges under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes Act, which carry fines of up to $500,000 and up to 10 years in prison. Both suspects have been detained pending further investigation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Tay said:
“We are grateful for the strong collaboration with our partners in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, which enabled us to disrupt this criminal activity and prevent further harm to victims.”
“The SPF also thanks the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore for its support. The SPF is committed to pursuing criminals, including those who operate across borders, and will continue to work with foreign law enforcement agencies to bring them to justice.”
The public is advised to only download apps from official stores and to be wary of suspicious requests to install apps.
