Eight people are still helping Singapore police with their inquiries, and two others were due in court on May 9. The case turns on something most families in the region carry in a pocket: a SIM card.
On May 7, Anti-Scam Command officers raided retailers suspected of registering postpaid SIM cards that overseas syndicates later used in scams. They arrested a 28-year-old Malaysian man and a 51-year-old Singaporean woman. The eight others, four men and four women aged between 17 and 61, are assisting investigations.
Police say the man used the details of real customers to pre-register extra postpaid lines. The woman passed on cards registered under someone else’s information. The lines ended up in impersonation scams.
The charges
The man faces a charge under Section 39G of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906, for facilitating fraudulent SIM registration that enables crime. The penalty is a fine of up to $10,000, up to three years in prison, or both, plus up to 12 strokes of the cane.
The woman’s charge falls under Section 39D of the same Act, for transacting a SIM card registered with another person’s details. It carries the same fine and prison term, with no caning.
Police said retailers who register extra cards without permission, let others use their SIM cards, help others register or keep several cards with no good reason will face action. Syndicates, they added, use local SIM cards for scams, unlicensed moneylending and vice.
Tougher penalties already in force
Since December 30, 2025, scammers and syndicate members or recruiters face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, up to 24. Mules who launder proceeds, supply SIM cards or hand over Singpass credentials face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes. Under the Facility Restriction Framework, people linked to mule offences can also be barred from signing up for new mobile lines.
Anyone who knows of SIM cards being registered for illicit use can call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or report online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. Police say all information stays strictly confidential.
