In a recent development, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced the arrest of two individuals, aged 26 and 47, for their suspected involvement in malware-enabled scams targeting Singaporeans since June 2023. These suspects are set to be brought to court for their alleged crimes.

The SPF, in association with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), established a joint investigation team back in November 2023. Over the course of seven months, this collaborative team meticulously tracked the intricate network of criminal operations and online infrastructure hosting the malware.

The investigation further unveiled that the two arrested individuals were responsible for operating servers that infected victims’ Android devices with a malicious Android Package Kit (APK) app. This allowed them to gain control over the phones and access sensitive information. The arrests were made in Malaysia on June 12, 2024, with the assistance of the RMP, and the suspects were subsequently handed over to the SPF on June 14, 2024.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the stolen information was utilized to carry out fraudulent transactions on victims’ banking accounts, resulting in substantial financial losses for the affected individuals.

The SPF’s efforts extended beyond the borders of Singapore, with information shared with the Taiwan Police leading to the dismantling of a fraudulent customer service center in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. This operation led to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of assets worth approximately US$1.33 million. Additionally, the HKPF took down 52 malware-controlling servers in Hong Kong and apprehended 14 money mules.

Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Paul Tay, expressed appreciation for the international cooperation in these operations, emphasizing the SPF’s commitment to combatting scams and fraudulent activities.

In light of these developments, the SPF has issued a public advisory urging individuals to exercise caution when downloading apps and to take preventive measures such as installing ScamShield and enabling security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) for bank accounts. It is also advised to verify apps with official sources and only download from reputable app stores. Individuals are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately and inform relevant authorities, family, and friends about potential scams.

Furthermore, if anyone suspects their phone is infected with malware, it is recommended to switch to flight mode, run an anti-virus scan, and check for any unauthorized transactions. Any fraudulent activity should be reported promptly to both the bank and the police.

The SPF reiterates its commitment to pursuing criminals, even those operating outside Singapore’s borders, to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. This proactive approach underscores the SPF’s dedication to combatting cybercrime and protecting the interests of the public.

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