A 29-year-old Malaysian man is set to be charged in a Singapore court on May 4 for his suspected involvement in a scam involving impersonation of government officials and the purchase of a Rolex watch valued at more than SGD 108,000 [1].
The scam targeted a victim who, on April 30, received a call from someone claiming to be from Singtel. The caller directed her to a chatbot and a supposed police officer who accused her of money laundering connected to misuse of her personal details to buy an iPhone on contract [1].
The victim was instructed to transfer all funds from her bank account to her credit card and then use the card to buy a Rolex watch at Far East Plaza [1]. The Malaysian man was tasked by unknown individuals believed to be part of a transnational scam syndicate to collect the Rolex watch from the victim and bring it back to Malaysia [1].
Singapore police identified and arrested the man on May 2 [1]. Authorities announced on May 3 that 22 Malaysians have been arrested since March for assisting scam syndicates in Singapore by collecting cash and valuables [1].
If convicted, the man could face up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to SGD 500,000 for assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct [1]. Singapore police cautioned the public against transferring money or valuables to unverified persons and reminded that government officials never request money transfers or banking details over the phone [1].
The court proceedings against the Malaysian man are scheduled for May 4.
