Seventh Fugitive Arrested in Cambodia-Based Scam Syndicate Case
Singaporean suspect deported from Vietnam following involvement in massive government impersonation fraud scheme.
1Arrest of Key Fugitive
Singaporean national Lam Yong Yan, aged 27, was arrested in Vietnam on November 19, 2025, for immigration offenses. Following investigations by Vietnamese authorities, he was deported to Singapore on November 6. He is the seventh suspect apprehended in connection with an organized crime syndicate operating out of a compound in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
2Scale of Fraud Operations
The criminal syndicate is linked to at least 528 separate government official impersonation scams targeting victims in Singapore. These fraudulent activities resulted in total financial losses amounting to approximately $53 million. The operation was systematically disrupted during a joint raid conducted by the Singapore Police Force and the Cambodian National Police on September 9, 2025.
3Legal Charges and Penalties
Lam Yong Yan is scheduled to be charged on November 7 for facilitating the commission of a serious offense. Under local regulations, he faces potential imprisonment of up to five years, a fine reaching $100,000, or both. This prosecution highlights the government's commitment to holding individuals accountable for supporting organized criminal groups abroad.
4Syndicate Leadership Structure
The alleged masterminds behind the operation include two Singaporean brothers and their cousin. While two of these primary suspects were arrested and charged in October 2025, Ng Wei Liang remains at large. Ng previously managed various businesses, including furniture manufacturing and event companies, before allegedly establishing the scam operation in 2024.
5Ongoing Manhunt for Suspects
Despite the recent arrest, 29 suspects remain at large, consisting of 23 Singaporeans and six Malaysians. The Singapore Police Force continues to urge the public to provide any relevant information via their official hotline or online portal. Authorities emphasize that all submitted information will be treated with strict confidentiality to ensure witness safety.
6International Law Enforcement Cooperation
The arrest was facilitated by strong cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. Julius Lim, director of Singapore’s Criminal Investigation Department, expressed formal appreciation for the assistance provided by Vietnamese authorities. This collaboration underscores the effectiveness of international partnerships in tracking down fugitives who attempt to evade justice by crossing borders.
7Asset Seizure and Investigations
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Singapore Police Force has issued prohibition of disposal orders to freeze assets linked to the syndicate. These measures aim to prevent the dissipation of illicit funds derived from the fraud. Investigators continue to analyze financial trails to dismantle the remaining infrastructure of the criminal organization.
8Deterrence and Future Outlook
The police maintain that crossing international borders does not place criminals beyond the reach of the law. By targeting the facilitators of these scams, authorities aim to dismantle the operational capacity of transnational groups. The focus remains on identifying the remaining fugitives and ensuring they face the full extent of judicial consequences.