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2 Arrested In Joint S’pore-M’sia Police Crackdown On Internet Love Scam Syndicate

2021-09-17 , 12:38 pm

As unreal as they may sound, love scams are scary; because not only do they break your wallet, they break your heart too.

And before you scoff at their prowess, you may want to check this out.

5 Arrested In Joint S’pore-M’sia Police Crackdown On Internet Love Scam Syndicate

On 16 September 2021, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) revealed that back in May, a 41-year-old woman had lodged a police report over losses of around S$28,000.

Now at this point, you may surmise a number of reasons including burglary, clickbait scams and whatnot. But for this particular woman…

The losses were incurred because of, well, love.

Apparently, she had befriended a man on Facebook back in March, an absolute red flag if you’ve watched our previous video by the way.

The friendship then swiftly turned into a romantic one.

The man claimed to be overseeing an oil rig project over in Ukraine and allegedly promised to marry her upon its completion.

Alas, something occurred and he was left unable to enter his bank account. At the same time, there was absolutely vital new machinery that’s needed for the project’s continuation.

Unsurprisingly, he asked for a loan.

And because, well, love, she loaned him the S$12,000 he asked for and transferred the money to a Singapore bank account.

The Second Scam

Thereafter, the woman would go on to befriend another stranger on Facebook. She would also go on to tell the person all about the first incident.

In response, the “helpful” stranger informed her that she had been scammed, and “volunteered” to help her get the sum back.

For whatever reason, however, the person needed S$16,000 for supposed “fund recovery services.” And for some reason, the woman complied, even transferring the money into two separate Singapore bank accounts.

With that, it became a love scam totalling around S$28,000.

Exit Route

Thankfully, the masterminds in question may have been apprehended.

On 14 September 2021, the Royal Malaysia Police stormed an apartment in Selangor and apprehended a 22-year-old Nigerian man.

Apart from laptops, phones, Singapore ATM/debit and credit cards were also confiscated.

Meanwhile, over in Singapore, a 66-year-old woman was apprehended. Three other women between 31 and 62 are also under investigation for possible money laundering services.

In total, the syndicate may have been responsible for at least seven cases in Singapore (involving around S$37,000) and one in Malaysia (involving around S$67,837).

Mr David Chew, the director of Singapore’s Commercial Affairs Department, said they’ll continue to work closely with their Malaysian counterparts to disrupt such syndicates.

It was added that the syndicates often use Singapore bank accounts to launder their ill-gotten money.

Love Scams

Unfortunately, such instances are far from being uncommon.

And in one particular scenario, a victim was jailed.

In August 2020, Ng Koon Lay, a former constituency manager with the People’s Association, was sentenced to 20 months in jail after she helped criminals outside the country open bank accounts and transfer cash.

The 64-year-old pleaded guilty to three charges under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes Act and one count of dishonestly receiving stolen property, reported CNA.

Apparently, she had helped two Facebook “lovers” transfer illegal funds, despite warnings from the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD).

As my colleague stated: “Love can make you do stupid things.”

For more info on scams, one can access scamalert.sg or dial the anti-scam hotline at 1800-722-6688.

On the other hand, if you have info, you can dial the police hotline at 1800-2550000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

And remember, be very careful online because that handsome young man you’re talking to could be a 70-year-old uncle.