Two 44-year-old Singaporean men landed in hot water after being deported from Thailand and Cambodia. Ong Kwang Wee and Seah Jian Hao were arrested on 13 Nov 2025 for their alleged roles in transnational scam syndicates targeting Singaporeans.
The Singapore Police Force nabbed both men immediately after their arrival on 11 Nov 2025. Anti-Scam Command officers were waiting.
The Myanmar-Thailand Connection
Ong’s story starts in Myanmar. The Royal Thai Police arrested him during a Bangkok raid, but his alleged activities traced back to a scam centre in Myanmar. Police say he worked at a facility running government official impersonation scams. When Myanmar authorities raided the centre, Ong fled to Thailand.
Investigations revealed Ong handled administrative tasks at the Myanmar-based operation. He allegedly let someone known only as “Ah Feng” access his Singapore bank account in April. Criminal syndicates then used the account to move suspicious funds.
The Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police helped facilitate Ong’s deportation. He faces one charge of abetment to commit unauthorised access to computer material. First-time offenders can get up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
Translator in Cambodia
Seah’s case played out differently. Cambodia National Police arrested him in Krong Bavet, a city hugging Cambodia’s border with Vietnam. Police investigations found he allegedly worked as a translator for a transnational scam syndicate operating from the city.
The General Department of Immigration of Cambodia assisted in sending Seah back to Singapore.
He was charged with abetment by conspiracy to cheat and possessing property reasonably suspected to be benefits from criminal conduct. The cheating charge carries up to three years imprisonment, a fine, or both. The property charge has a maximum sentence of three years behind bars, a fine of up to $150,000, or both.
Both men appeared in district court on 13 Nov 2025.
Growing Threat
Commercial Affairs Department director David Chew highlighted how transnational scam syndicates are changing their playbook. They’re recruiting Singaporeans with local knowledge to target victims from scam centres across different countries.
The arrests showcase partnerships with regional law enforcement. The Central Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police and Cambodia National Police worked with Singapore authorities to track down and arrest the suspects. Information sharing and ongoing collaboration between international law enforcement partners led to both arrests.
The numbers tell a grim story. On 29 Oct 2025, police issued warrants of arrest against 27 Singaporeans and seven Malaysians suspected of involvement in a Cambodia-based scam ring. The group allegedly participated in 438 scam cases with losses hitting at least $41 million.
Public Warning
Police issued a clear warning: never let others use your bank accounts or mobile lines. Anyone who allows their accounts to be used for criminal activities may face investigation and prosecution as accomplices or money mules.
The public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799 for more information on scams.
