// Adds dimensions UUID, Author and Topic into GA4
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
29.9 C
Singapore
type here...
(GenAI/TISG (for illustration purposes only) )
Singapore News
1 min.Read

Nearly S$10,000 in scam proceeds laundered through e-wallets allegedly bought for S$50 each

Merzsam Singkee
By Merzsam Singkee

SINGAPORE: A 21-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a scheme to purchase e-wallets from work permit holders for use in scam transactions, with at least S$9,792 in scam proceeds traced through the fraudulently created accounts since May 2026.

Officers from Clementi Police Division mounted the operation between August 25 and 26, 2026, to establish the identities of the man and the work permit holders involved, resulting in the arrest of the man.

How the scheme worked

The man allegedly accessed the Singpass accounts of work permit holders to apply for e-wallets on their behalf, with each work permit holder receiving S$50 in exchange. The e-wallets were then used to receive and transact scam proceeds.

The arrangement is a variation of the money mule model, which uses legitimate identity holders to create financial accounts that serve as conduits for criminal funds, in exchange for small cash payments that obscure the account holders’ awareness or culpability.

Charges and penalties

The man was charged on Aug 27 with cheating under Section 417 of the Penal Code 1871, which carries a fine, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.

Investigations into the work permit holders for selling their e-wallets are ongoing for abetment of cheating under Section 417 read with Section 109 of the Penal Code 1871, which carries the same penalties.

The Police reiterated their warning against accepting cash in exchange for bank accounts, e-wallets, Singpass accounts, or credentials. Singpass access can be used to open financial accounts and mobile lines for illegal purposes, and those who sell or lend their credentials, even unknowingly, may face criminal liability.

To report information on such crimes, call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. For scam information, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call 1799.

Read also: Singapore Police: Five victims fall for fake Apple support scam, lose S$195,000 in crypto

Google News Follow Google News WhatsApp Join us on WhatsApp Telegram Follow us on Telegram

Hot this week

Domestic Helpers

Singapore man, 65, a plumber, assaults maid in Telok Kurau after she breaks up with him before returning to home country

The man, a plumber, entered the helper’s employer’s home at night and broke into her room after she planned to return home when her work contract ended
In the Hood

Fallen tree in the road was cleared in minutes as dozens of strangers unite to move the branch, preventing traffic

A tree branch suddenly fell across MacPherson Road during the evening rush hour yesterday (18th), obstructing traffic. Dozens of people spontaneously moved the branch, clearing a lane to prevent tr...

Popular Categories

Singapore NewsFeatured NewsSG EconomySingapore PoliticsLifestyleCelebrityIn the Hood
document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", () => { const trigger = document.getElementById("ads-trigger"); if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { entries.forEach(entry => { if (entry.isIntersecting) { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here observer.unobserve(entry.target); // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); observer.observe(trigger); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });

The Independent SG

Also Visit

Social Media

© The Independent Singapore

// //
Enable Notifications OK No thanks