The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has announced the arrest of five Chinese nationals and one Singaporean man for their alleged involvement in illegal cyber activities within the country.
This development follows a series of coordinated raids conducted by approximately 160 law enforcement officials on September 9, 2024, targeting multiple locations simultaneously.
The six men, aged between 32 and 42, are suspected of being connected to a “global syndicate” involved in malicious cyber activities. During the operation, authorities seized various electronic devices and cash.
Among those arrested was a 42-year-old Chinese national from Bidadari Park Drive, who was found with a laptop containing credentials for accessing web servers used by known hacker groups. The identities of these hacker groups have not been disclosed.
Additionally, authorities confiscated five laptops, six mobile phones, over S$24,000 (USD$18,400) in cash, and cryptocurrency valued at approximately USD$850,000 from this individual.
Three other Chinese nationals, arrested at Mount Sinai Avenue, were found with laptops containing personal information related to foreign internet service providers, hacking tools, and specialized software for controlling malware, including PlugX—a remote access trojan frequently used by Chinese state-sponsored groups.
From these three men, authorities seized seven laptops, 11 mobile phones, and more than S$54,600 (USD$41,900) in cash.
Another 38-year-old Chinese national was arrested at Cairnhill Road on suspicion of offering to purchase personally identifiable information obtained through illegal means.
The sixth individual, a 34-year-old Singaporean from Hougang Avenue, is believed to have assisted the others in their cybercriminal activities.
The defendants face charges under the Computer Misuse Act 1993 for unauthorized access to computer material, retaining personal information without permission, and possessing software that could facilitate further malicious attacks.
The Singaporean national has also been charged with abetting unauthorized access to websites, which could result in a fine of up to S$5,000 (USD$3,830), a prison term of up to two years, or both for a first-time offender.
Channel News Asia reported that a sixth Chinese national was arrested on Wednesday for directing the Singaporean man to subscribe to a Singtel broadband plan.
“This is a significant operation, as these individuals are suspected of conducting global malicious cyber operations from Singapore,” the SPF stated. “We have zero tolerance for the use of Singapore as a base for criminal activities, including illegal cyber activities. We will take stringent measures against the perpetrators.”
