Chinese National Jailed for Smuggling 15 iPhones into Singapore as Part of Organized Operation

By
George Yang
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A Chinese national has been jailed for attempting to smuggle multiple phones into Singapore as part of what appears to be an organized operation.

Here’s what happened.

Arrest at Border Checkpoint

Hu Congqun (name transliterated from Mandarin) was sentenced to three months in jail on 9 May 2025 after authorities found him carrying several phones with unknown origins. He faced charges under the Miscellaneous Offenses (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.

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Court documents show that Hu met his accomplice Wu Huangxing (name transliterated from Mandarin) through a friend in early April 2025. Wu suggested they take a “short-term tour” to Singapore, proposing an indirect route: flying from Zhejiang to Shanghai, then to Vietnam, followed by Malaysia, before entering Singapore by car. Wu claimed this arrangement would cost less.

While in Zhejiang, Wu handed seven iPhones to Hu, asking him to carry them into Singapore. Hu agreed after Wu promised to pay him for this service.

Though Hu noticed signs of prior use on some phones and failed in his attempts to unlock them, he proceeded despite suspicions about their legality.

Smuggling Plan Uncovered

Authorities discovered a total of 15 iPhones between the two men when they arrived at Woodlands Checkpoint at 11:41 AM on 18 Apr 2025. Neither could explain where the phones came from, leading to their arrest.

During questioning, Wu revealed he had followed instructions from a man known as “Ya Ge” (name transliterated from Mandarin). Wu had collected 14 iPhones from a locker in China and given seven to Hu to avoid drawing attention. Wu also provided Hu with an Android phone for communication.

The investigation found that “Ya Ge” had sent the postal code for City Plaza in Geylang to both men. They were instructed to place the iPhones in red plastic bags and dispose of them in garbage bins near the shopping center.

“Ya Ge” had promised to cover all travel costs for the operation. The two men had planned to stay in Singapore for just one day before departing. Both men were charged because they possessed 15 phones of questionable origin.

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George Yang
Email: [email protected]