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The Anti-Scam Centre (ASC) of the Singapore Police Force (SPF), in partnership with HSBC Singapore, the UAE Ministry of Interior, Dubai Anti-Fraud Centre and the Royal Oman Police (National Central Bureau (NCB) Muscat), has successfully recovered more than USD 6.6 million in a case of Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scam. 

On 30 April 2026, the Police received a report that a Singapore-based commodity trading firm had been deceived into transferring USD 6.6 million to a fraudulent bank account in Oman.  On 28 April 2026, the victim’s staff received an email that appeared to be from its legitimate supplier, but the domain name had been subtly altered by transposing two letters, making the spoofed address virtually indistinguishable from the genuine one. Believing the request was authentic, the staff initiated the transfer of the full amount to the fraudulent bank account on 29 April 2026. On 30 April 2026, the staff discovered the fraud after the genuine supplier notified them that they had not changed their bank account. 

Pursuant to the report, ASC immediately engaged the Dubai Police Anti-Fraud Centre, a valued member of the FRONTIER+ coalition, to facilitate liaison with Omani authorities. Through coordinated efforts with the Royal Oman Police (NCB Muscat), and HSBC Singapore, the fraudulent funds were traced and fully recovered. 

Director of Commercial Affairs Department, Ms Peggy Pao said, ““The swift cooperation of the Royal Oman Police (NCB Muscat), the Dubai Police Anti-Fraud Centre and HSBC Singapore enabled full recovery for the victim and sends a clear message: transnational scammers will not succeed when we stand united. This successful outcome also underscores the vital role of FRONTIER+, the coalition of Anti-Scam Centres that amplifies our capabilities across borders. Without the expertise and rapid response of our Dubai counterpart, a member of FRONTIER+, this recovery would not have been possible.”

The SPF remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening international partnerships and safeguarding the global financial ecosystem from cross-border fraud. This successful recovery demonstrates that, through robust collaboration and the strategic framework of FRONTIER+, we can effectively dismantle sophisticated scam networks and safeguard victims worldwide.

Members of the public are advised to enhance their IT security and re-engineer their payment processes to guard against Business Email Compromise scams. Businesses can take the following three steps to protect themselves. First, always verify any new or sudden changes in payment instructions by calling your supplier or counterparty on a trusted number that has been independently verified, and never rely solely on contact details provided in the same email chain. Second, educate employees, particularly those responsible for making payments on behalf of the company, on the tactics used by scammers in Business Email Compromise scams. Third, maintain strong passwords, enable Two-Factor Authentication, and install email protection software capable of detecting fraudulent or spoofed emails. If you are unsure about any transaction or payment instruction and wish to seek advice, you may also call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.

Businesses that have fallen victim to such scams, or have information related to such crimes, are advised to call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial '999'.