Police crack down on cross-border syndicates involved in large-scale credit card fraud.
A string of fraud cases involving foreigners using stolen credit card details to purchase high-end electronic goods and luxury items in Singapore has resulted in over $300,000 in losses. Since October 1, 2024, at least 178 reports have been filed regarding fraudulent transactions, leading to police identifying at least 20 individuals believed to be involved in 94 of the cases.
The fraud syndicates allegedly obtained credit card details through e-commerce phishing scams, which were then loaded onto mobile apps for use in contactless transactions. Foreign nationals, recruited via social messaging platforms, were sent to Singapore to make purchases such as smartphones, electronics, and even gold bars using these illicitly obtained card details.
As of November 22, the police had arrested nine individuals in connection with the fraud, while 11 others, including Chinese, Malaysian, and Russian nationals, had fled the country. Among those arrested were Zhang Tianyu (29), Xu Zhaochen (36), and Li Xueqi (36) from China, and Quek Jian Qing (21), Yong Huo Ying (24), and three other Malaysians. The police have launched an international search, engaging foreign law enforcement agencies to track down the 11 absconding suspects, who are believed to have traveled back to their home countries.
In the course of their investigation, the police seized over $30,000 in cash, four gold bars, a foreign-registered vehicle, and more than 30 mobile phones, including iPhones and other accessories.
Retail staff from various outlets, including Best Denki, Courts, and T2 Electronics, played a crucial role in identifying and reporting suspicious activity. In one case, a suspect attempted to buy four iPhones at a Best Denki store using a contactless transaction worth more than $7,500. When staff noticed the man’s suspicious behavior, they discreetly stalled the transaction and contacted the store manager, who asked the customer for a physical credit card. The man eventually left the store without completing the purchase.
In another instance, a suspect attempted to buy six iPhones at a Courts outlet using similar contactless payment methods. The store staff became suspicious after noticing discrepancies with the suspect’s passport and accent. Thanks to their vigilance and quick reporting, the police were able to track down and arrest the suspects.
Police officials have praised the retail staff’s timely actions, which helped to identify and arrest several of the individuals involved in these fraudulent activities. Authorities are urging both retail businesses and the public to stay vigilant and protect their banking details to prevent further incidents of fraud.
