In a shocking revelation, Singapore has seen a surge in scam activities leading to the arrest of at least 13 Malaysians within just a month. These individuals are believed to be linked to a series of cunning impersonation scams targeting unsuspecting victims.

The most notorious scams involve swindlers posing as government officials, resulting in an eye-watering loss of over $126.5 million in the first half of 2025 alone. This alarming trend has left many citizens on edge, fearing they could be the next target.

Inside the Scams: A Closer Look at Lee Jian Cheng's Allegations

Among the latest apprehended is 31-year-old Lee Jian Cheng, who is accused of playing a pivotal role in a syndicate that collected cash and jewelry from victims or money mules. Authorities claim Lee is linked to more than $441,000 in illicit gains.

In a dramatic police operation on September 16, Lee was apprehended as he attempted to collect cash at VivoCity, a popular shopping destination. He allegedly handed these funds to other members of the scam syndicate before being taken into custody.

The Operation: From Collecting to Court

Just two days after his arrest, Lee faced charges for conspiracy related to criminal activities. On September 22, police escorted him back to the scene of the crime where he was observed attempting to evade CCTV cameras while collecting his illicit haul. Clad in a red shirt and black shorts, Lee appeared forlorn as he made his way through the mall.

The Wider Impact: A Growing Epidemic

The wave of arrests doesn’t end with Lee. Other recent captures include a 44-year-old man attempting to cash fraudulent cheques worth $180,000, a 20-year-old facilitating the encashment of $200,000 in funds tied to an elderly victim, and three men aged 28 to 30 acting as money mules.

These scams extend beyond impersonation, with some victims duped into paying scammers to ‘upgrade’ their YouTube channels for higher returns— a trap that has ensnared many.

Scams on the Rise: A Call to Action

In total, over $456 million has been lost to scams in Singapore this year, with nearly 20,000 cases reported. This startling statistic underscores the urgent need for awareness and caution among the public to protect themselves from becoming victims in this growing epidemic.