A man linked to an international fraud network operating from Cambodia has been charged in Singapore. According to police, the group defrauded at least 535 victims, causing losses exceeding SGD 53 million.
A 32-year-old Singaporean citizen, Francis Tan Tuan Heng, was arrested as part of an investigation into an international criminal syndicate.
According to police, the scam operation was based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and targeted victims in Singapore.
Investigators say the scammers impersonated government officials. They contacted victims and falsely claimed that they were involved in a criminal investigation or had violated the law, then instructed them to transfer money to so-called “safe accounts.”
Francis Tan was among 34 initial suspects wanted in connection with the case.
According to the Singapore Police Force, the criminal network is linked to at least:
- 535 reported scam cases;
- losses of approximately SGD 53 million (about USD 41 million).
As part of the investigation, authorities had previously seized assets and imposed restrictions on their disposal when they were believed to be connected to the syndicate's activities.
The scam center in Phnom Penh was identified and disrupted during a joint operation conducted by the Singapore Police Force and the Cambodian National Police on September 9, 2025.
Interpol also issued Red Notices for two other alleged members of the network — Jonathan Boneta (27) and Lee Ding Hao (33).
According to investigators, both men remain outside Singapore and continue to evade law enforcement.
On June 5, 2026, Francis Tan was formally handed over to the Singapore Police Force by the Royal Malaysia Police.
On June 6, 2026, he was charged with assisting an organized criminal group.
If convicted, he faces:
- a fine of up to SGD 100,000;
- up to 5 years of imprisonment.
Official website of the Singapore Police Force.
