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From disrupting online scams even before it reaches unsuspecting victims to building international partnerships to combat cybercrime, the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) Cyber Command works on multiple fronts to keep Singapore safe. Two officers share what this work looks like from different sides of the digital frontline.

Disrupting Threats Before They Reach You

As a Cyber Specialist at the Digital Disruption Centre (DDC), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Darrick Chew identifies and disrupts the online infrastructure used by cybercriminals.

Having joined the SPF in 2018, he previously served as a Team Leader of the Emergency Response Team before moving to the Commercial Affairs Department’s Decision Authority Office in July 2025, which later became part of DDC under Cyber Command. “I realised that the crime landscape was rapidly pivoting towards cybercrime and online scams, and I wanted to be at the forefront of it,” he said.

“Digital disruption means actively dismantling the online infrastructure and enablers that bad actors rely on,” he explained. “We take swift action to cut off the digital tools and platforms they use – be it a scam website, a telco line or a social media account – before they can reach more victims.”

The DDC responds to reported threats while also actively hunting for emerging ones. Once a threat is identified, the team gathers information and takes decisive action to disrupt the websites, accounts or other online services used by criminals. The team also shares information about these threat activities with online platforms so they can conduct their own enforcement actions.

Collaborations with online platforms are central to how the DDC operates. A recent partnership with Meta resulted in action against nearly 3.8 million scam-linked entities and pages on Facebook and Instagram. The platforms also share insights on how bad actors are evolving their tactics, enabling both sides to respond quickly. “Together, this allows us to cast a much wider net than either party could on their own,” ASP Darrick said.

Building these partnerships has also taught him the importance of patience. Law enforcement agencies and tech platforms operate differently, and what is urgent for the Police may require multiple layers of review on the platform’s end. “Trust is the foundation of any effective partnership. When partners trust that the information we provide is accurate and actionable, they’re more likely to act on it swiftly,” he said.

Beyond technical expertise, ASP Darrick believes that a keen sense of observation and attention to detail are just as important in his line of work. “Sometimes, it’s the ability to notice an unusual pattern that others might overlook that makes all the difference.”

Building Bridges That Make Cooperation Possible

While ASP Darrick’s work is about speed and precision, ASP Nicole Morgan’s is more deliberate work of building trust across borders. As a Staff Officer (International Cooperation & Liaison), she advances and represents Cyber Command’s interests internationally by building and strengthening partnerships with foreign law enforcement agencies to support operational cooperation, capability development and Cyber Command’s broader international priorities.

For ASP Nicole, policing was a childhood dream. She took her first step towards it in 2016 as a Volunteer Special Constabulary officer, supporting major events including the ASEAN Summit. The experience deepened her commitment to the Force, and she subsequently joined as a regular officer in 2018.

After close to eight years in frontline policing, she wanted to challenge herself in a new area. Having completed Masters in International Relations, the international cooperation role was a natural fit. “This role gave me the opportunity to combine that interest with policing, while contributing to Cyber Command’s efforts to strengthen partnerships against cybercrime and scams,” she said.

One of the most important lessons she’s learnt is that effective cooperation can’t be built overnight. “When an operational need arises, you don’t want to be introducing yourself to a counterpart for the first time,” she explained. The meetings and conferences that may seem routine on the surface serve a deeper purpose – establishing the trust that makes cooperation smoother when it truly matters.

This was brought home during a meeting she coordinated with a non-English speaking country in a completely different time zone, conducted entirely through interpreters. Despite the barriers, both sides quickly found common ground. “It was a reminder that effective international cooperation isn’t defined by how much we have in common, but by our willingness to work together towards a common objective,” ASP Nicole said.

While the impact of ASP Nicole’s work may be less visible than that of frontline policing, it’s no less meaningful. “What I find fulfilling is knowing that the support we provide helps our units do their work more effectively,” she shared. She also takes pride in representing Singapore on the international stage – knowing that positive impressions made during engagements help reinforce the SPF’s reputation as a trusted and credible partner.

Two Roles, One Mission

Cybercriminals operate without borders and tackling them requires more than any single unit or jurisdiction can achieve alone. For ASP Darrick, that means staying one step ahead – dismantling the digital tools and infrastructure that scammers depend on before they can reach their next victim. For ASP Nicole, it means ensuring that Singapore is never fighting that battle in isolation, strengthening the international networks that extend SPF’s reach far beyond its shores.

Together, their work reflects a force that is as connected internationally as the threats it faces. As ASP Nicole puts it: “Cybercrime is a global problem, and our response must be an internationally oriented one.” ASP Darrick echoes that sentiment from the operational front: “Every online enabler we disrupt represents a potential victim who was spared from harm.” Two different roles, two different front lines – but ultimately, the same mission of keeping Singapore safe in an increasingly digital world.

Cyber Command Series

In this series, learn how Cyber Command officers work behind the scenes to keep Singapore safe from scams and cybercrime.

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- When Hackers Hit Home: Two Investigators Who Fight High-Stakes Cybercrime
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