The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has arrested seven individuals [2], including six mainland Chinese nationals and one Singaporean man [1] [4], for their suspected involvement in illegal global cyber activities in the country [1].
Description
The suspects [1] [2] [4] [5] [6], aged between 32 and 42 [2] [4] [5] [6], are believed to be part of a global syndicate conducting malicious cyber operations [1] [2]. Following raids involving over 150 officers, electronic devices [1] [2] [3] [4] [5], cash totaling S$543,600 [1], and cryptocurrency were seized [2] [3] [4] [5]. The suspects were found in possession of laptops containing credentials to access internet servers used by hacker groups [1], personally identifiable information obtained through illegal means [1], computer hacking tools [1] [4], and software to control malware [4] [6]. One suspect was suspected of preparing to conduct cyber-attacks by exploiting vulnerabilities in internet servers [1], while another was charged with instigating the Singaporean to assist the other suspects [1]. The individuals have been charged under the Computer Misuse Act 1993 for unauthorized access to computer material and other offenses [2]. The SPF has emphasized its zero tolerance for illegal cyber activities in Singapore and will deal severely with perpetrators [2]. All seven men have been remanded in custody and face fines and imprisonment terms under the Computer Misuse Act 1993 [1]. Sun Qiao faces two charges of violating the Computer Misuse Act [5], while the other five face one charge each [5]. The prosecution requested that the defendants continue to be detained for further investigation [5], including the examination of seized electronic devices and cryptocurrency wallets involved in the case [5]. The joint operation by the Singapore Police and the Internal Security Department demonstrates Singapore’s zero-tolerance attitude towards illegal cyber activities [5].
Conclusion
The arrests of the seven individuals involved in illegal global cyber activities in Singapore highlight the seriousness with which the authorities are tackling cybercrime. The seizure of electronic devices [1], cash [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6], and cryptocurrency [2] [3] [4] [5] [6], as well as the charges laid against the suspects, serve as a warning to others engaged in similar activities. The continued investigation and prosecution of the suspects demonstrate the commitment of Singapore to combatting cyber threats and maintaining cybersecurity within its borders.
References
[1] https://mothership.sg/2024/09/7-men-singapore-illegal-cyber-activities/
[2] https://thehackernews.com/2024/09/singapore-police-arrest-six-for-alleged.html
[3] https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/09/11/six-with-alleged-links-to-global-syndicate-behind-malicious-cyber-activities-charged
[4] https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/6-men-including-1-singaporean-be-charged-suspected-involvement-illegal-cyber-activities
[5] https://www.cointeeth.com/news/singapore-police-arrested-a-six-member-gang-suspected-of-international-cyber-0
[6] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/6-to-be-charged-over-suspected-involvement-in-illegal-cyber-activities-linked-to-global-syndicate