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Scams and swindles

Scams and swindles
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Scams and swindles. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A poster in Singapore’s Raffles Place warning the public of scam threats. Photo: AFP
Singapore

Malaysian scammers in Singapore pivot to cash handover as online curbs tighten

The warning by Singapore police comes as government official impersonation scams continue to surge in the city state.

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Cambodia

Video | Cambodia police raid AI-driven scam centre targeting Europe

Cambodia

150,000 Meta accounts shut down in Southeast Asian scam centre crackdown

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Hong Kong courts

Former Hong Kong councillor jailed for laundering phone scam proceeds

Sheep Wong, who said he wanted to repay gambling debts and help cover his father’s medical costs, sentenced to three years and nine months.

Sheep Wong had initially insisted he was secretly gathering evidence against what he believed to be a triad-run debt collection ring. Photo: Jelly Tse
Trending in China

China woman finds uncle faked marriage with her late mother to inherit properties

Official investigation launched as shocked 27-year-old, whose mother died when she was just 9 years old, follows heartbreaking paper trail.

Singapore

Singapore police seize US$390 million in assets in Prince Group probe

Three men, including the captain of Chen Zhi’s superyacht, have been arrested in connection with the case, police announced.

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Thailand

Thailand seeks to arrest South African couple in US$30 million fraud case

Ben Smith and his wife reportedly tricked their victim into investing millions in stocks, real estate, a private jet and energy businesses.

A Cambodian police officer stands guard near a scam compound in Kampot province, Cambodia, on February 10. Photo: Reuters
Artificial intelligence

Opinion | As AI agents advance, Hong Kong should shape the rules now

By leveraging the Hong Kong-Shenzhen innovation hub as a cross-border testing ground, the city can set the standard for responsible AI governance.

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United States

Sherry Xue jailed for funnelling Chinese investor funds to Trump campaign

The New York businesswoman was ordered to forfeit US$31.5 million and property at three locations, and to make restitution to her victims.

Trending in China

China influencer earns US$7 million from wish candles sale before arrest for fraud

Under-pressure youth seek ‘emotional and spiritual comfort’ by snapping up strange products online; experts warn goods could distort reality.

Young people in China are splashing out on wish candles to revive past romances, highlighting a rise in emotional consumerism. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Cambodia

Cambodia’s Hun Manet admits scam hubs aided property but denies state profit

Scam centres are giving Cambodia a bad reputation, the prime minister says, vowing to wipe them out.

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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is interviewed in Brussels on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
Brazil

‘K-wave’ scams exploiting Brazil’s superfans trigger police pact

South Korea and Brazil are taking action to protect fans from fraudsters cashing in with phantom merchandise and exploitative ‘oppa’ tours.

Trending in China

Self-styled China doctors nabbed over ‘bloodletting therapy’ to ‘remove’ evil energy

Unlicensed ‘medical staff’ sink long needle into man’s arm to extract blood; dump dirty equipment and stained gauze swabs on ‘clinic’ floor.

Hong Kong courts

Law firm asks court to block access to files seized in ‘crash-for-cash’ probe

Raymond Lam & Associates says the 66 files contain confidential letters and medical documents belonging to at least 61 clients.

Officers raided the law firm in Mong Kok on February 9. Photo: Handout
Laos

Water prisons, torture: UN urges crackdown on brutal Southeast Asia scam centres

The agency’s latest report documents torture, sexual abuse, forced abortions, food deprivation and solitary confinement in the centres.

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A Thai soldier keeps guard outside a closed scam centre in O’Smach, Cambodia, on February 2. Photo: AP
Hong Kong courts

Hong Kong court orders Christian Zheng Sheng Association to be liquidated

Judge rules in government’s favour after charity failed to repay HK$61 million to public fund in the wake of a fraud scandal in 2024.

Crime in Hong Kong

Editorial | Hong Kong police’s fight against scams needs more public support

Scams might be down in Hong Kong but they still comprise nearly half of all crimes. Vigilance and community support are vital.

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Cambodia

Opinion | Cambodia’s scam factory survivors find no escape in freedom

A government crackdown freed thousands, but with no passports or support, survivors have simply traded captivity for destitution.

People carry their belongings onto a bus as they leave a suspected scam centre compound in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, last month. Photo: AFP
Trending in China

Public fury as China mental hospitals recruit fake patients for insurance scam

‘Healthy’ so-called patients lured into psychiatric facilities with promise of long, cheap stay; receive little treatment, face ‘beatings’.

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Crime in Hong Kong

‘Unforgivable’: police chief slams lawyer, doctors linked to crash-for-cash scams

‘Knowledgeable professionals should not do such immoral and unethical things,’ Commissioner of Police Joe Chow says.

China-Latin America relations

Brazil breaks up China-linked US$190m money-laundering ring tied to crime gang

Prosecutors claim Chinese-run distribution network concealed revenue, evaded tax obligations and fostered money laundering of drug proceeds.

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A China-linked electronics distribution network is accused of laundering more than US$190 million in Brazil over seven months. Photo: Reuters
France

9 arrested over Louvre ticket fraud scheme involving Chinese tourists

The world-famous museum says it lost nearly US$12 million over the past decade as the result of tickets being reused for different visitors.

Tourists near the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. Photo: AFP
Human trafficking

More Southeast Asian human trafficking gangs use crypto to move illegal funds

The transactions are linked to activities such as forced labour recruited by scammers and international escort services, a report says.

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Crime in China

China’s Nanjing Museum scandal probe uncovers historic mismanagement, corruption

Museum admits to ‘systemic problems’, pledges reform after ‘severe’ damage caused to image of cultural and museum industry.

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Southeast Asia forced-labour scams

Easier, faster, cheaper: how AI is revolutionising Southeast Asia’s scam hubs

Technology is enabling gangs to target more victims efficiently and expand operations as governments struggle to tackle evolving cybercrime.

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Counterfeit US dollar banknotes on the floor inside a scam compound in Samraong, Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. Photo: Reuters
Cambodia

Opinion | Cambodia is in a frontline battle against transnational scam syndicates

Targeted due to geography, Cambodia is on the front foot now, dismantling scam compounds, rescuing victims and prosecuting criminals.

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In a November 12 raid, the Cambodian authorities rounded up thousands at an online fraud compound in Bavet City, the largest city in the southeastern province of Svay Rieng, which shares a border with Vietnam. Photo: Handout
Cryptocurrency

Scams and outflows: why China slammed the door on real-world asset tokens

Beijing’s clampdown aims to help safeguard financial security and monetary sovereignty while leaving room for regulated fintech innovation in Hong Kong.

Myanmar

Video | Scam centre members apologise in broadcast confession

Core members of the Myanmar-based telecoms fraud syndicate Ming Zhenzhen and Bai Yingcang apologised for causing harm to Chinese citizens.

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