A Singaporean man wanted in his home country for alleged involvement in a major Cambodia-based scam syndicate has been arrested in Khon Kaen, where he had been hiding at his Thai wife’s residence. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Eng Sie — also known by the alias Brian — was detained in tambon Dong Lan in Si Chompu district, according to Thai authorities.
The arrest was made on charges of overstaying his visa, but police later confirmed that Eng was also the subject of an Interpol red notice. Pol Lt Col Narongrit Phumphuang, superintendent of Investigation Division 3 under the Technology Crime Suppression Division, said the red notice was issued on suspicion of his involvement in a criminal organisation operating out of Cambodia.
Eng is one of 34 suspects wanted by the Singapore Police Force in connection with a scam network based in Phnom Penh. The syndicate reportedly targeted Singaporean victims through elaborate schemes involving impersonation and intimidation. According to the Anti-Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) under Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau, the group consisted of 27 Singaporeans and seven Malaysians.
Police investigators in Thailand learned that Eng had a Thai wife residing in Khon Kaen, prompting a closer look at the possibility that he might be hiding in the northeastern province. A search warrant was approved by the Chum Phae court on Nov 13, paving the way for the arrest operation.
During questioning, Eng admitted to working for the scam organisation as a finance administrator while in Cambodia. Thai authorities said his primary role involved handling financial transactions for the group. His superiors within the syndicate were reportedly Singaporean and Malaysian nationals, indicating that the operation had a structured hierarchy extending across multiple countries.
Pol Lt Col Narongrit noted that the scam operation relied heavily on impersonating government officials. Members of the group allegedly contacted victims in Singapore and threatened them into handing over money, using fear tactics and false claims of legal trouble. This method has been commonly observed in regional scam networks that target vulnerable individuals by exploiting trust in government institutions.
Police also revealed that Eng earned a monthly salary of around US$4,000, or approximately 130,000 baht, for his role in the operation. The relatively high pay suggests that he was a trusted and active participant in the syndicate’s financial processes.
Singaporean media outlet CNA reported that at least three members of the wanted group — one Malaysian and two Singaporeans, including Eng — have been arrested and now face prosecution. Authorities in both Thailand and Singapore are continuing to coordinate on the investigation, as the syndicate’s activities span borders and involve a significant number of suspects.
Eng’s arrest highlights Thailand’s ongoing cooperation with international law enforcement to combat transnational cybercrime. With scam networks becoming increasingly organised and international in scope, police emphasise that regional coordination is essential to dismantle such operations.
Following his arrest, Eng has been transferred to relevant authorities for further legal processing. More developments are expected as Thai and Singaporean officials continue to identify and track additional members of the syndicate.
