Seventh fugitive arrested in Cambodia scam case
SINGAPORE – A Singaporean who was among 36 suspects wanted for alleged links to a Cambodia-based scam syndicate targeting Singaporeans has been arrested.
Lam Yong Yan, 27, is the seventh fugitive to be arrested over ties to the organised criminal group.
The syndicate is believed to be involved in government official impersonation scams targeting victims here, and is linked to at least 528 scam cases involving losses of about $53 million.
Lam was arrested in Vietnam for immigration offences on Nov 19, 2025, said the Singapore police in a statement on Nov 6.
Following the completion of investigations by Vietnamese authorities, Lam was deported to Singapore and arrested on his arrival on Nov 6.
Lam was among 34 initial suspects sought by the Singapore police, of whom 27 are Singaporeans and seven are Malaysians.
Following further investigations, two more Singaporean suspects, who are still at large, were identified.
The alleged masterminds of the syndicate are a trio comprising two Singaporean brothers and their cousin. Two of them were arrested and charged in October 2025.
Ng Wei Liang, who remains at large, had allegedly set up the operation some time in 2024.
According to previous checks by The Straits Times, Ng had dabbled in various businesses, including furniture manufacturing and was also the director of two events companies, an advertising company and a management consultancy service between 2014 and 2021.
One of the events firms is linked to Lam, who was appointed director when Ng stepped down in July 2021.
The syndicate operated from a scam compound in Phnom Penh, and was disrupted during a joint operation by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Cambodian National Police on Sept 9, 2025.
As part of ongoing investigations, the SPF had earlier issued prohibition of disposal orders and seized assets linked to the syndicate.
Lam will be charged on Nov 7 with facilitating the commission of a serious offence, in furtherance of the illegal purpose of a locally linked organised crime group.
If found guilty, he could face jail time of up to five years, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
In total, six Singaporeans and one Malaysian have been arrested as at Nov 6, according to the police.
A total of 29 suspects – 23 Singaporeans and six Malaysians – remain at large, said the SPF.
The director of Singapore’s Criminal Investigation Department, Julius Lim, expressed his appreciation to the Vietnamese authorities for their assistance in Lam’s arrest.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the remaining suspects should call the SPF hotline on 1800-255-0000 (or +65-6255-0000 for overseas callers) or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.
All information received will be kept strictly confidential, said the police.
