Malaysian Duo Extradited to Face Singaporean Fraud Charges Two Malaysian men have been extradited to Singapore to face charges related to their alleged involvement in Android malware scams that targeted Singaporeans. The extradition, a result of extensive collaboration between the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), marks a significant development in the fight against cross-border cybercrimes. According to the SPF, the two suspects, a 43-year-old man and a 32-year-old man, are believed to have been part of a syndicate that developed and distributed the malicious Android malware known as “FluBot.” FluBot has been linked to numerous scams in Singapore, involving the theft of personal information, financial details, and unauthorized access to bank accounts. The investigation, which commenced in August 2022, revealed that the suspects had allegedly played key roles in the dissemination and management of the malware. The RMP, acting on information provided by the SPF, successfully arrested the individuals in Malaysia. Following their extradition, the two suspects were charged in a Singapore court with multiple counts of unauthorized access to computer materials, computer misuse, and money laundering. They face severe penalties if convicted, including imprisonment and fines. The extradition of the suspects demonstrates the strong collaboration and commitment of law enforcement agencies in both Singapore and Malaysia to combat cybercrimes. The authorities have stressed that they will continue to work together to disrupt malware scams and protect individuals from falling prey to such malicious activities. The SPF advises the public to remain vigilant against malware scams and to take necessary precautions to protect their devices and personal information. These precautions include: * Installing antivirus software and keeping it updated * Being cautious about links and attachments received in unsolicited messages or emails * Avoiding downloading apps from unknown sources * Enabling two-factor authentication for online accounts * Reporting any suspicious activities to the authoritiesSingapore Police Arrest Suspected Malware Scam Syndicate MembersSingapore Police Arrest Suspected Malware Scam Syndicate Members Singapore police, with the assistance of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), have arrested two men suspected of being involved in a malware-based scam syndicate. The arrests were made in Malaysia on June 12, 2024, and the suspects were handed over to Singapore Police on Friday. The two suspects, aged 47 and 36, will be charged with the crime of unauthorized modification of computer material. The offense carries a fine of up to S$50,000, a prison sentence of up to seven years, or both. The 47-year-old man will also face charges for obtaining benefits through criminal conduct, with a potential penalty of a S$500,000 fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both. International Cooperation The Singapore Police Force (SPF) shared information with Taiwan police during the investigation, which led to the dismantling of a fraudulent customer service center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Taiwanese police arrested four individuals on May 15 for using malicious applications to facilitate unauthorized bank transfers. Confiscated assets included cryptocurrency and real estate worth approximately $1.33 million. Separately, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) took down 52 malware-monitoring servers in Hong Kong and arrested 14 money mules who provided their bank accounts to fraudsters in exchange for monetary rewards. SPF’s Gratitude Deputy Director of the SPF’s Criminal Investigation Department, Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Tay, expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers and stakeholders involved in the operation. He emphasized the determination of the SPF in combating scams and the importance of partnerships with counterparts in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The SPF also acknowledged the support of the Singapore Cybersecurity Agency and pledged to continue pursuing criminals, regardless of their location.Two Malaysian nationals have been extradited to Singapore to face charges related to a series of Android malware scams that targeted Singaporeans. The men, aged 30 and 32, were arrested in Malaysia in May 2022, pursuant to requests for their extradition made by the Singapore Police Force. Investigations revealed that the duo had allegedly developed and distributed Android malware through malicious apps, such as fake banking apps and cryptocurrency trading apps. These apps were designed to steal victims’ login credentials, personal data, and banking information. The victims, who were mostly Singaporeans, were lured into downloading the malicious apps through phishing emails and SMS messages. Once installed on the victims’ devices, the malware would steal their banking information and make unauthorised transactions without their knowledge. The two men face multiple charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act, including unauthorised access to computer material, unauthorised modification of computer material, and cheating. Investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the scam. The Singapore Police Force would like to remind the public to be vigilant against such scams and to only download apps from official app stores.