A Cambodia-based syndicate is linked to at least 528 scam cases involving losses of about $53 million and government official impersonation scams, prompting the arrest of 27-year-old Singaporean Lam Yong Yan in Vietnam and his subsequent deportation to Singapore on November 6, 2025.
Lam was detained by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security for immigration offences on November 19, 2025, according to a statement issued by the Singapore Police Force. Following the completion of investigations by Vietnamese authorities, he was deported and arrested by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department upon his arrival at Changi Airport on November 6, according to Straitstimes.
Syndicate Operations in Phnom Penh
The criminal group operated from a scam compound in Phnom Penh, targeting individuals in Singapore through government official impersonation schemes. The syndicate’s activities were initially disrupted during a joint operation conducted by the Singapore Police Force and the Cambodian National Police on September 9, 2025, which led to the initial arrest of 15 suspects in Singapore consisting of 12 Singaporeans, two Malaysians, and one Filipino national, according to Must Share News.
As part of ongoing investigations into the network, authorities issued prohibition-of-disposal orders and seized assets linked to the syndicate. The alleged masterminds include a trio of two Singaporean brothers and their cousin, with two suspects arrested and charged in October 2025. Another alleged key figure, Ng Wei Liang, remains at large after reportedly setting up the operation in 2024. Past investigations by The Straits Times revealed that Ng held roles in several commercial ventures—such as furniture making—and acted as a director for a management consultancy, an advertising firm, and a pair of event management businesses spanning the years 2014 to 2021. One of these events firms is connected to Lam, who was appointed as director when Ng stepped down in July 2021.
Foreign Partners Secure Return of Fugitive
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Julius Lim, director of the Criminal Investigation Department, expressed gratitude to foreign partners for facilitating the return of the fugitive.
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
Julius Lim
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
Julius Lim
Lam was among 36 suspects wanted by the Singapore police in connection with the organised criminal group. With Lam’s arrest, authorities have apprehended a total of six Singaporeans and one Malaysian in connection with the syndicate. A remaining group of 23 Singaporeans and six Malaysians continue to remain at large.
Fugitive Faces Prosecution Under Organised Crime Act
Lam faces prosecution under Section 12(2)(b) of the Organised Crime Act 2015. Court proceedings are set to see him face allegations of supporting a major crime to advance the unlawful objectives of a domestic-linked criminal syndicate.
Should the court find him guilty, the punishment may include imprisonment reaching five years, a financial penalty amounting to $100,000, or a combination of both penalties. Members of the public who possess information regarding the remaining fugitives are urged to contact the Singapore Police Force hotline at 1800-255-0000 (or +65-6255-0000 for overseas callers) or submit details online via the SPF I-Witness portal. Police confirmed that all information received will be kept strictly confidential.
Earlier coverage: Singapore Police Adopt 6000-0999 Caller ID to Fight Scams