In a feature with Lianhe Zaobao, TSMP Disputes Partner Stephanie Chew shared her legal insights on why Singapore can prosecute crimes committed overseas, in the context of the case of Yip Chee Ming, a 30-year-old Malaysian who was sentenced to 16 months and two weeks’ jail after pleading guilty to one count of being a member of an organised crime syndicate.

Yip had joined a Cambodia-based scam syndicate targeting Singaporeans, working as a frontline caller impersonating bank staff. However, he was fired after just three days for failing to scam anyone. He was later arrested in Singapore and prosecuted.

Stephanie explained that Yip was convicted under Singapore’s Organised Crime Act, which has extraterritorial effect in certain circumstances and can apply to individuals located outside Singapore. Where a person overseas engages in conduct that they know, or have reasonable grounds to believe, will facilitate other offences, they may fall within the scope of the Act.

She noted that there are various ways a person can become complicit in a criminal syndicate — including giving instructions, following orders, or drafting scam scripts — and that all members are considered part of the syndicate regardless of whether the scam ultimately succeeds.

On sentencing, Stephanie observed that courts weigh the specific circumstances of both the offence and the offender, including the deterrent effect in the public interest, the actual or potential harm caused, and any personal gain derived by the offender.

She also cautioned that as scam syndicates become more globalised and sophisticated, cases with international elements are likely to increase, and urged the public to remain vigilant: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam.”