Malaysian Jailed for Phone Scam Using Stolen Credit Cards

Cross-border fraud ring targets Singapore retailers

A Malaysian man has been sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a scheme to purchase 23 high-value mobile phones in Singapore using compromised credit card information. The devices, valued at over S$45,000, were intended for resale in Malaysia.

Driver Turned Accomplice

Ding Jiun Hao, 26, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to cheat and removing criminal proceeds. His sentencing on August 5 follows that of his childhood friend, Tang Chin Huat, 27, who received a sentence of one year and eleven months in June for similar offenses. A third individual, identified as Liau Wei Zheng, remains at large and is believed to be in Malaysia.

Court documents reveal that both Ding and Tang previously worked as drivers transporting passengers between Malaysia and Singapore. In early November 2024, Liau approached Ding with an offer to earn extra money, explaining that an unidentified “Boss” would provide stolen credit card details for purchasing as many iPhones as possible in Singapore for resale.

Orchard Road Sting

The court heard that the credit card details were obtained from third-party theft and stored in Liau‘s digital wallet. The “Boss” promised Liau RM500 (S$151) for each phone sold, with profits to be shared among the participants. Ding, agreeing to join the illicit operation, enlisted Tang, who owned a car necessary for their travel and activities within Singapore.

The trio journeyed to Singapore on November 8, 2024, visiting several mobile phone outlets, including establishments on Orchard Road and in Geylang. Their operation was cut short after purchasing 13 phones at an Orchard Road store when an employee became suspicious of the bulk purchase and requested passport verification from Liau for five additional phones. The employee withheld these phones.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Ronnie Ang stated, “Liau and Ding went back to the car and left without those five phones as Liau wanted to return to Malaysia as soon as possible.” The group returned to Malaysia with 18 iPhones, worth over S$39,700, which Liau subsequently sold. He then paid Ding and Tang RM2,250 each.

Remorse and Restitution

Ding was apprehended on November 10, 2024, upon re-entering Singapore for work. He was granted bail after 16 days in remand and has made no restitution for his involvement. Tang, learning he was a wanted individual through news reports, voluntarily surrendered to Singaporean authorities on November 24, 2024, and has since made a restitution of S$2,000.

Defense Arguments

During the sentencing, defense lawyer Clarence Lun argued for a reduced sentence of one year and four months for Ding, emphasizing that his client was not the mastermind behind the scheme. “He was not the mastermind, organiser, or initiator of the conspiracy. Rather, the offences were orchestrated primarily by Liau… who remains at large,” Mr. Lun told the court, adding that Ding came from a disadvantaged background and acted out of “naiveté and misguided trust” when persuaded by Liau.

This case highlights the persistent threat of cross-border financial crime. Globally, the value of reported fraud cases continues to rise, with reports indicating significant increases in various forms of digital and identity theft in recent years, underscoring the need for vigilance by both consumers and businesses alike (Statista, 2024).