SINGAPORE; A Singaporean who was among 36 suspects wanted for alleged links to a Cambodia-based scam syndicate targeting Singaporeans has been arrested.
Lam Yong Yan, 27, is the seventh fugitive to be arrested over his alleged links to the organised criminal group.
The syndicate is believed to be involved in government official impersonation scams targeting victims in Singapore and is linked to at least 528 cases involving losses of about $53 million.
Lam was arrested in Vietnam for immigration offences on Nov 19, 2025, said the Singapore police in a statement on Nov 6.
Following the completion of investigations by Vietnamese authorities, Lam was deported to Singapore and arrested upon his arrival on Nov 6.
Lam was among the 34 initial suspects sought by the Singapore police, comprising 27 Singaporeans and seven Malaysians.
Following further investigations, two more Singaporean suspects, who remain at large, were identified.
The alleged masterminds behind the syndicate are a trio comprising two Singaporean brothers and their cousin. Two of them were arrested and charged in October 2025.
Ng Wei Liang, who remains at large, had allegedly established the operation sometime in 2024.
According to previous checks by The Straits Times, Ng had been involved in various businesses, including furniture manufacturing. He was also a director of two events companies, an advertising company and a management consultancy service between 2014 and 2021.
One of the events companies is linked to Lam, who was appointed its director after Ng stepped down in July 2021.
The syndicate operated from a scam compound in Phnom Penh and was disrupted during a joint operation by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Cambodian National Police on Sept 9, 2025.
As part of ongoing investigations, the SPF had earlier issued prohibition of disposal orders and seized assets linked to the syndicate.
Lam will be charged on Nov 7 with facilitating the commission of a serious offence in furtherance of the illegal purpose of a locally linked organised crime group.
If found guilty, he could face up to five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
As at Nov 6, a total of six Singaporeans and one Malaysian had been arrested, according to the police.
Another 29 suspects, comprising 23 Singaporeans and six Malaysians, remain at large, said the SPF.
The director of Singapore's Criminal Investigation Department, Julius Lim, expressed his appreciation to the Vietnamese authorities for their assistance in Lam's arrest.
“We deeply appreciate the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam for their strong support and close cooperation in securing Lam Yong Yan's return to Singapore,” he said.
“Those who prey on victims in Singapore should know that crossing borders does not put them beyond the reach of the law. The SPF will work with our international partners to hold them accountable, however far they go,” he added.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the remaining suspects should call the SPF hotline on 1800-255-0000 (or +65-6255-0000 for overseas callers) or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.
All information received will be kept strictly confidential, said the police. - Straits Times/ANN
