A 27-year-old Singaporean was arrested at Changi Airport on 6 November 2026 over his suspected involvement in a Cambodia-based scam syndicate, after being deported from Vietnam.
Lam Yong Yan is believed to belong to a group operating from Phnom Penh that targeted victims in Singapore through government official impersonation scams. Police believe the syndicate is linked to at least 528 reported scam cases involving total losses of about S$53 million.
Detained in Vietnam Since November 2025
AsiaOne reported that Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security had detained Lam for immigration offences on 19 November 2025.
After the Vietnamese authorities completed their investigations, he was deported to Singapore on 6 November. Officers from the Singapore Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested him when he arrived.
Lam was among 36 suspects wanted by Singapore police in connection with the organised criminal group.
Syndicate Disrupted in Joint Operation
The group operated from a scam compound in Phnom Penh. Its activities were disrupted during a joint operation by Singapore police and the Cambodian National Police on 9 September 2025.
As part of investigations, Singapore police had also seized assets linked to the group and issued orders prohibiting the disposal of assets.
Following Lam’s arrest, police said 23 Singaporeans and six Malaysians remained at large.
Charge Scheduled for 7 November
Police said on 6 November that Lam would be charged the following day with facilitating a serious offence to advance the illegal purpose of a locally linked organised criminal group.
If convicted, he could face up to five years’ jail, a fine of up to S$100,000, or both.
Criminal Investigation Department director Julius Lim thanked Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security for its assistance in securing Lam’s return. He said Singapore police would continue working with international partners to bring those targeting victims here to account.
Members of the public with information on the remaining suspects’ whereabouts can submit it through the police’s I-Witness portal. Police said information received would be kept confidential.
