China national jailed in Singapore for S$40,000 credit card fraud in transnational scam

SINGAPORE: A 29-year-old Chinese national, Zhang Tianyu, has been sentenced to 30 months’ jail for his role in a cross-border scam involving stolen credit card data used to purchase mobile phones worth over S$40,000 in Singapore. On 8 July 2025, Zhang pleaded guilty to charges of cheating and acquiring property representing the benefits of criminal conduct. His case is among several that have highlighted the operations of a transnational fraud syndicate targeting retailers across the island.

Acquaintance offered S$2,600 "job opportunity" in Singapore

According to court proceedings, Zhang was recruited in November 2024 by an acquaintance, Zhao Yongzhi, who offered him a job opportunity in Singapore for a promised monthly salary of 15,000 yuan (approximately S$2,600). Zhang agreed and flew to Singapore with Zhao that same month. Once there, he was given a mobile phone with a special application that allowed stolen credit card details to be remotely added for use in contactless transactions. According to state media The Straits Times, deputy Public Prosecutor Nicole Teo stated that the credit card information had been obtained from phishing victims. Over three days, Zhang made purchases at major electronics stores using the fraudulent data.

Fraudulent shopping spree at electronics stores using stolen credit card data

Between various outlets including iStudio at Bugis Junction, Best Denki at Funan, and both Best Denki and Challenger at Plaza Singapura, Zhang acquired 20 iPhone 16 devices valued at over S$40,000. After the purchases, Zhang and Zhao sold the phones to an unknown buyer, receiving S$22,500 in cash, which they took back to their hotel. Zhang’s offences were described by DPP Teo as part of a sophisticated and syndicated criminal enterprise with transnational elements. She sought a jail sentence of between 36 and 40 months. Defence lawyer David Nayar argued for a lighter sentence of 20 months. He said Zhang had no prior knowledge of the fraudulent nature of the scheme and had initially considered withdrawing from it. “He expressed the desire to leave at first and not be involved in this scheme, but he was convinced to stay, as much had been spent to get him to Singapore. He foolishly agreed and regrets his actions,” said Nayar. Zhang reportedly never received the salary he had been promised. The prosecution, however, maintained that his criminal conduct was sustained over several days and not impulsive.

Other Chinese nationals charged in related offences

Zhao Yongzhi, who facilitated Zhang’s arrival and activities in Singapore, was charged in June 2025 with similar offences. His case is still ongoing. Two other Chinese nationals, Li Xueqi and Xu Zhaochen, both 36, were also prosecuted in connection with the syndicate. They were sentenced in December 2024 to 15 weeks and 8 weeks’ imprisonment respectively, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to cheat. The pair had entered Singapore on 5 November 2024, intending to use stolen credit card data to purchase luxury goods. They acquired fake Japanese passports to aid in the fraud but ultimately backed out of the plan after learning its full details. Despite their withdrawal, both had met with Zhao and Zhang and had received images of the forged identification documents and instructions on the fraudulent payment method.

Demonstration of scam method involving fake identity

Court documents revealed that Zhao had demonstrated the payment process to Li at an Apple Store in Marina Bay Sands. Using his mobile phone, Zhao purchased an iPhone 16 with the stolen credit card data. However, after a delay in the second transaction, Li became fearful and left the store, later deciding to withdraw from the operation. Zhao, however, continued the activity and allegedly went on to target other retailers, including jewellery outlets, using the same fraudulent method.

Police warn of growing credit card fraud by foreign syndicates

The Singapore Police Force has issued warnings about the growing trend of foreign syndicates dispatching individuals to Singapore for the purpose of executing credit card fraud. These schemes often target large retailers and exploit contactless payment systems. Retailers have been advised to remain alert to suspicious transactions, particularly when customers attempt multiple payments using different phones or cards after failed attempts. According to Scam.sg data, in 2024 alone, there were 8,552 phishing cases, with victims losing $59.4 million, making phishing the third most common scam in the country. Under Singapore law, anyone found guilty of cheating can face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine. Acquiring property derived from criminal conduct carries the same maximum sentence and a fine of up to S$500,000.