This brings the total number of Malaysians arrested in Singapore since March for helping scam syndicates collect valuables to 19, reported The Straits Times.

Singaporean police said the suspects are part of a growing trend of foreign “mules” collecting cash and valuables from victims deceived by phone scams.

The suspects, a 27-year-old man and 34-year-old woman, are expected to be charged for assisting another person to retain benefits from criminal conduct. If convicted, they each face up to 10 years’ jail, fines of up to $500,000 (RM1,548,000) or both.

Police said the man entered Singapore on an assignment arranged by scammers to collect about $100,000 (RM309,600) worth of gold bars from a 71-year-old victim.

The victim had been tricked by callers impersonating telecom staff, and later “law ministry” and police officers, who duped him into believing that his identity was linked to money laundering activities.

The victim was instructed to prove his innocence by purchasing gold bars to be handed over to the syndicate. Police intercepted the handover and arrested the suspect within hours.

Officers later arrested the woman linked to the same syndicate. She allegedly acted as a mule collecting cash, jewellery, and valuables from victims before transferring them to Malaysia.

In one case, she collected $24,000 (RM74,300) worth of jewellery from a 54-year-old victim misled by scammers posing as bank and police officials. The items were recovered.

Singapore police said they have noticed a rising number of cases involving Malaysians recruited by scam syndicates to collect valuables in Singapore.

They also said scam syndicates were increasingly using cross-border recruits to reduce detection risk and move illicit proceeds quickly between Singapore and Malaysia.

They reminded the public that the authorities would never request money transfers, banking credentials, or installation of unofficial apps, and urged the public to be aware of impersonation scams.