SINGAPORE – A 29-year-old man from China has been sentenced to 30 months in jail for his involvement in a transnational credit card fraud scheme that targeted retailers in Singapore. Zhang Tianyu used stolen credit card information to purchase over $40,000 worth of mobile phones over a three-day period. He was convicted on July 8, 2025, after pleading guilty to charges of cheating and acquiring property representing criminal benefits.
Zhang was part of a scam syndicate that exploited phishing victims’ credit card details to make contactless payments at major electronic stores such as Best Denki, iStudio, and Challenger. The purchases were made at outlets including Bugis Junction, Funan, and Plaza Singapura.
The case began in November 2024, when Zhang was approached by his acquaintance Zhao Yongzhi with an offer to work in Singapore for a salary of 15,000 yuan (about S$2,600). Zhang accepted and arrived in Singapore with Zhao that same month. Once in Singapore, Zhang was given a smartphone pre-installed with a mobile application that could digitally store and use stolen credit card data. This allowed him to make contactless payments without needing the physical cards.
According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Nicole Teo, the stolen card information was obtained via phishing schemes and remotely uploaded to Zhang’s device. Over three days, he purchased 20 iPhone 16 mobile phones, worth more than S$40,000 in total. He and Zhao then met an unidentified individual to sell the phones, and Zhang was handed an envelope containing S$22,500 in cash, which he brought back to their hotel.
Zhang was arrested and charged with two offences: cheating and acquiring property that represented benefits from criminal conduct. DPP Teo, citing the deliberate and well-organised nature of the scam, requested a jail term of 36 to 40 months. She emphasized that the crimes were not only transnational but also syndicated, requiring coordinated efforts across borders.
In mitigation, Zhang’s lawyer David Nayar argued for a lighter sentence of 20 months, stating that his client was misled into participating and was initially unaware of the criminal aspect of the job. According to Mr Nayar, Zhang had even expressed hesitation and a desire to leave early on but was convinced to stay after being told of the cost involved in bringing him to Singapore. He also noted that Zhang never received the promised 15,000 yuan salary and deeply regrets his involvement.
However, the prosecution rebutted the claim that Zhang was reluctant, highlighting that the criminal acts were carried out over multiple days, showing a clear pattern of continued intent rather than impulsive behavior.
Zhao Yongzhi, who accompanied Zhang during the scheme and allegedly helped coordinate the illegal activities, was charged in June 2025 with cheating and acquiring criminal benefits in the form of cash. His case remains before the courts.
Authorities have previously warned retailers of an emerging trend involving foreign syndicates dispatching individuals to Singapore to conduct credit card fraud. Retailers were urged to remain vigilant, especially in cases where customers attempt multiple contactless payments or switch devices when transactions fail.
Under Singapore law, cheating is a serious offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine. Offenders who are found guilty of acquiring property that represents criminal proceeds face up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
The case of Zhang Tianyu highlights how transnational scam syndicates continue to target local businesses and how stolen digital credentials, particularly from phishing victims, are weaponized for fraudulent purchases. Authorities remain firm in taking action against such offenders, and retailers are advised to continue cooperating with enforcement agencies to deter further crimes.
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