The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has announced the arrest of five Chinese nationals and one Singaporean for their alleged involvement in illegal cyber activities in the country.
This happened after a group of about 160 law enforcement officers conducted a series of simultaneous raids in several locations on September 9, 2024.
The six men, aged between 32 and 42, are suspected of being linked to a “global syndicate” that conducts malicious cyber activities. During the operation, electronic devices and cash were confiscated.
Those arrested include a 42-year-old Chinese national from Bidadari Park Drive, who was found with a laptop containing credentials to access web servers used by known hacking groups. The identities of the participants of the threat have not been disclosed.
In addition, five laptops, six mobile phones, cash totaling more than S$24,000 (US$18,400) and cryptocurrency worth about US$850,000 were seized from the individual.
Three other Chinese nationals arrested on Mount Sinai Avenue allegedly possessed laptops containing personal information linked to foreign Internet providers, hacking tools and “specialized malware control software” such as PlugXa remote access trojan widely used by Chinese government groups.
Authorities also seized seven laptops, 11 mobile phones and more than S$54,600 (US$41,900) in cash from the three men.
Another 38-year-old Chinese national was arrested in Cairnhill Road on suspicion of “offering to purchase personal information believed to have been obtained illegally”.
A sixth person, a 34-year-old Singaporean resident of Hougang Avenue, is believed to have assisted the others in their nefarious activities.
The defendants are charged with offenses under the Computer Misuse Act 1993 for gaining unauthorized access to computer material, storing personal information without permission and possessing software that can be used to carry out other malicious attacks.
The Singaporean was also charged with incitement to provide unauthorized access to websites, an offense punishable by a fine of up to S$5,000 (US$3,830) or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for the first time – time criminal.
Channel News Asia has reported that a sixth Chinese national was also subsequently arrested on Wednesday for instructing a Singaporean to sign up for a Singtel broadband plan.
“This is a significant operation as individuals are suspected of conducting global malicious cyber operations from Singapore,” the SPF said. “We have zero tolerance for Singapore being used for criminal activities, including illegal cyber activities. We will strictly deal with criminals.”
