(Source-thehackernews.com)
Singapore authorities have apprehended six individuals, including five Chinese nationals and one Singaporean, for their alleged involvement in illicit cyber activities linked to a global cybercrime syndicate. This significant development follows a major police operation that saw multiple coordinated raids across the city on September 9, 2024, involving approximately 160 law enforcement officers.
The suspects, aged between 32 and 42, are believed to be part of a sophisticated network involved in malicious cyber operations. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) seized electronic devices, cash, and other materials during the raids as part of their ongoing investigation into the group’s cyber activities.
Coordinated Raids Lead to Key Arrests
The operation, conducted at multiple locations across Singapore, resulted in the arrest of the six suspects. Among them was a 42-year-old Chinese national apprehended at Bidadari Park Drive. Police discovered a laptop in his possession containing access credentials for web servers known to be used by hacker groups. Authorities did not release the identities of the hacker groups involved, but it is believed the suspect played a significant role in the syndicate’s operations.
In addition to the laptop, police confiscated five other laptops, six mobile phones, more than S$24,000 (USD$18,400) in cash, and cryptocurrency valued at approximately USD$850,000 from the arrested individuals. Three other Chinese nationals, arrested at Mount Sinai Avenue, were found to be in possession of specialized hacking tools and software used for malware operations. Among the software discovered was PlugX, a remote access trojan often linked to Chinese state-sponsored groups. Law enforcement officials seized seven laptops, 11 mobile phones, and over S$54,600 (USD$41,900) in cash from these individuals.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Actions
The arrests also led to the apprehension of a 38-year-old Chinese national from Cairnhill Road. He is suspected of attempting to purchase personally identifiable information (PII) obtained through illegal means. Meanwhile, a 34-year-old Singaporean national was arrested at Hougang Avenue, suspected of aiding the other individuals in their global cybercrime activities. The SPF suspects that the Singaporean was involved in abetting unauthorized access to websites and may have facilitated various aspects of the syndicate’s operations.
All six suspects face charges under Singapore’s Computer Misuse Act 1993. These include offenses such as unauthorized access to computer material, unlawful retention of personal information, and possession of software used for cyberattacks. The Singaporean national, in particular, faces additional charges for abetting the securing of unauthorized access, which could result in a fine of up to S$5,000 (USD$3,830), a jail term of up to two years, or both for a first-time offense.
Singapore Police Crackdown on Global Cybercrime
In a statement following the arrests, the Singapore Police Force emphasized its commitment to combating global cybercrime in the country. “This is a significant operation as the individuals are suspected to be carrying out global cybercrime malicious cyber operations from Singapore,” said the SPF. “We have zero tolerance of the use of Singapore to conduct criminal activities, including illegal cyber activities. We will deal severely with perpetrators.”
The investigation into the syndicate’s activities remains ongoing, and additional charges may be brought against the suspects as more information emerges. A sixth Chinese national was also arrested and charged on Wednesday, accused of instructing the Singaporean suspect to subscribe to a Singtel broadband plan.
This operation highlights Singapore’s proactive stance against global cybercrime and serves as a reminder of the country’s commitment to ensuring its cybersecurity remains robust in the face of growing global threats.
