Singapore probes 300 suspects linked to 800 scam cases

Singapore recorded nearly 20,000 scam cases in the first half of 2025 with estimated losses of 456.4 million USD. In 2024, scam victims lost 1.1 billion USD, the highest annual total on record./.

The police said the group comprises 177 men and 91 women aged between 15 and 78 and are allegedly involved in more than 800 scams. (Photo: ST)
The police said the group comprises 177 men and 91 women aged between 15 and 78 and are allegedly involved in more than 800 scams. (Photo: ST)

Hanoi (VNA) - Singaporean authorities are investigating 268 individuals, including a 15-year-old, over their alleged roles in more than 800 scam cases causing losses exceeding 4.66 million USD.

Police said on December 4 that the suspects, including 177 men and 91 women, with the oldest aged 78, were uncovered during a two-week enforcement operation from November 11 to December 4.

The alleged scams involved e-commerce fraud, impersonation of friends, fake job offers, sham investment schemes, bogus government officials and rental scams. Authorities are investigating possible offences including cheating, money laundering and providing illegal payment services.

Convicted offenders face up to 10 years’ jail and fines. Money laundering carries similar penalties, while illegal payment services may lead to up to 3 years’ jail or fines up to 125,000 USD.

Under amendments approved by Parliament on November 4, members or recruiters of scam syndicates may also face corporal punishment of 6 to 24 strokes; individuals who supply SIM cards or bank accounts to support scams may face up to 12 strokes.

Singapore recorded nearly 20,000 scam cases in the first half of 2025 with estimated losses of 456.4 million USD. In 2024, scam victims lost 1.1 billion USD, the highest annual total on record./.

VNA

See more

Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia (Photo: AFP)

Cambodia to pilot visa waiver for Chinese tourists

The exemption allows a 14-day stay during the four-month pilot, without requiring any application or fees. The completion of an e-arrival card upon entry is still required. During the pilot period, Chinese tourists can enter Cambodia multiple times.

Chief Economist at IQI Global Shan Saeed (Photo: VNA)

Five economies seen powering ASEAN’s next growth cycle

The MIT-PV economies are quickly becoming the mainstay of ASEAN’s next growth supercycle, supported by booming populations, rising wealth, structural reforms, and stategic convergence of human resources development, infrastructure modernisation, and resources.

Tourists inside a beer shop in Thailand. (Photo: AFP)

Thailand eases alcohol sales restrictions

Thailand ranked 16th out of nearly 200 countries for the most road traffic deaths per capita in 2021, WHO data shows. Nearly 33,000 people were killed in drunk driving incidents in the country from 2019 to 2023, according to public health ministry figures.

Illustrative image (Photo: tribune.net.ph)

Philippines dismisses over 9,000 police personnel

Data from the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management released on December 3 showed that from July 2016 to November 26, 2025, a total of 32,698 police personnel were found guilty of various administrative offenses.

Intel to invest additional 208 million USD in Malaysia (Photo: invezz.com)

Intel to boost investment in Malaysia

The US is Malaysia’s third-largest market for semiconductor exports. In 2024, Malaysia exported 120 billion MYR (28 billion USD) in electrical and electronic products to the US, with around half related to chips.

A military parade and march held to celebrate the 50th National Day of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. (Photo: VNA)

Laos marks 50th National Day with solemn ceremony

In his address, General Secretary and President Thongloun recalled that 50 years ago, the site hosted a mass mobilisation of revolutionary forces and patriotic Lao people to seize power in Vientiane, paving the way for the National Congress to abolish colonial and feudal rule and proclaim the establishment of the Lao PDR on December 2, 1975. He stressed that the historic victory profoundly changed the nation’s destiny, ushering in a new era of independence, unity and development, and ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and happy life for all ethnic groups in Laos.