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Showing posts with the label International News

Police Admit "No Leads" Connecting Namewee to Influencer Death

  Malaysian rapper Namewee (Wee), aged 42, is scheduled to be released on police bail on Thursday, November 13, following a decision by the country’s Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC). This marks a significant development in the high-profile murder investigation of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin, aged 31, who was found dead in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub on October 22. Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar confirmed the impending release late on Wednesday, stating that the police probe currently lacks any evidence that could connect the rapper to Hsieh’s death. "So far, there is no evidence that shows the suspect was involved in causing the influencer’s death," Dusuki was quoted as saying, though he added that the AGC has instructed further investigation and would take appropriate action if any new findings surface. The case’s investigation paper was formally referred by the Kuala Lumpur police to the AGC on Tuesday. Under Malaysian law, the police are required to eit...

Filipino Jailed for using Fake PayNow Screenshots

  A woman who meticulously crafted a scam using fake PayNow screenshots to obtain food and services from multiple establishments has been sentenced to one year and 11 months’ jail. Filipino national Santos-Tumalip Maria Monalyn Bagaporo, aged 33, pleaded guilty on November 13 to four charges, including cheating and theft, with three other charges taken into consideration. The total value of the food and services she obtained fraudulently exceeded $10,000. The court documents detailed a pattern of deception that involved Bagaporo placing orders and then transferring the payment amount to her own bank account, rather than the merchant's. She would then use a photo editing application to alter the resulting transaction screenshot, making it falsely appear as if the money had been successfully sent to the restaurant or salon. In some cases, she even edited the sender details to make it look like the payments originated from different accounts. 1. House of Seafood (May 2022 – August 20...

Two Singaporean Money Mules Deported and Arrested on Arrival

  A significant development in the fight against transnational crime occurred when two Singaporean men, both aged 44, were arrested on November 11 following their deportation from Thailand and Cambodia, respectively. The men are suspected of involvement in transnational scam operations and money mule offenses targeting Singaporeans. The arrests were carried out by officers from the Anti-Scam Command of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) immediately upon the men’s arrival in Singapore. The SPF announced the arrests in a statement on November 13, highlighting successful international collaboration. The First Suspect: Myanmar Scam Centre Administrator The first man was arrested by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) during a raid conducted in Bangkok. He is allegedly linked to a transnational scam syndicate that was operating a scam centre located in Myanmar. This syndicate purportedly planned government official impersonation scams specifically targeting Singaporeans. Preliminary investigation...

Singapore-Bound Ferry from Batam Collides with Tanker Off Southern Islands

  A Singapore-flagged passenger ferry, Horizon 9, collided with a Marshall Islands-registered tanker, La Digue, off the Southern Islands on Monday, November 10, at about 5:00 pm. The ferry was en route from Batam to HarbourFront Centre carrying 165 passengers and seven crew members. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) deployed a patrol craft to guide the ferry back to Singapore. The ferry sustained damage to its bow above the waterline but remained operational. Crucially, all 172 individuals safely disembarked at HarbourFront Centre, and there were no reports of injury or pollution. A passenger shared a video showing the tanker passing close to the ferry's front just before the collision. The tanker reported no damage. The MPA has launched an investigation into the incident.

Namewee Remand Extended: Police Continue Murder Investigation

  The remand for controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee has been extended by an additional three days, as law enforcement continues its investigation into the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin. Namewee, whose full name is Wee Meng Chee, aged 42, will remain in detention until November 13, according to a statement released by Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus on Monday, November 10. His legal representative, Joshua Tay, confirmed the new remand date. Mr. Tay was quoted outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters as stating that police investigations had not yet been finalized. He assured the media that his client is in good health and maintains a positive demeanor while cooperating with the authorities. The musician, who has long been known for courting controversy through his music which often touches upon issues like government inefficiency and corruption, voluntarily presented himself to the police on November 5 after the case had been significantly reclassifie...

Preschool Cook Jailed for Over Nine Years in 'Horrendous' Case

  A former cook at a local preschool facility in Singapore has been handed a stringent sentence, marking the culmination of a case that prosecutors described as one of the most horrendous acts of sexual abuse ever committed in a childcare setting in the nation. The offender, Malaysian national and Singapore permanent resident Teo Guan Huat, aged 61, was sentenced on November 10 to a total of nine years, four months, and seven weeks in jail. Mr. Teo had previously entered a guilty plea on October 27 to three charges of molestation. During the sentencing proceedings on November 10, the court took into consideration five additional molestation charges. District Judge Vince Gui, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the abhorrent nature of the former cook’s actions. The Judge stressed that the offenses represented a profound abuse of trust, highlighting the fact that the victims were extremely young and completely defenceless. The court heard that Mr. Teo abused three female victims, ...

Submarine Sailing Near Punggol Northshore?

  A viral video posted on November 7, 2025, showing a submarine traveling between Singapore's Punggol Northshore District and Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, has sparked public curiosity. The vessel appears to be a Gotland-class submarine, though this is unconfirmed.  Online community members questioned the submarine's identity and its presence near residential areas. Key questions included the vessel's specific model, whether it belonged to Singapore or Malaysia, and why it was operating near Punggol instead of the main naval base in Changi. The sighting also revealed to some Netizens that Singapore possesses its own submarine fleet. 

"Dumb Head" Slur Causes International Pageant Chaos: Miss Universe President Steps In

  A significant public dispute erupted within the Miss Universe Organization during a major preliminary event, leading to the public shaming of a national representative, the walk-out of several delegates, and a swift organizational response. The incident involved Fatima Bosch, the 25-year-old representative of Miss Universe Mexico 2025, and Nawat Itsaragrisil, a 60-year-old Thai businessman and the Vice-President for Asia and Oceania within the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), who also serves as the director of Miss Universe Thailand and chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee. The event, an international annual sashing ceremony, took place in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 4. Ms. Bosch was in attendance alongside 129 other contestants ahead of the finals scheduled for November 21. The confrontation, which was live-streamed on social media, occurred when Mr. Nawat publicly reprimanded Ms. Bosch. The core of the issue stemmed from Mr. Nawat’s assertion that Ms. Bosch...

The Curious Case of Hsieh Yu-hsin & Namewee | Timeline as of Now!

  The death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin (known online as the "Nurse Goddess") at a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur has escalated into a high-profile murder investigation. What was initially classified as a sudden death has been reclassified by Malaysian police, deepening the legal troubles and public scrutiny faced by controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee (Wee Meng Chee), who was the last person seen with Hsieh. This is a breakdown of the suspicious timeline and the public demands that forced the case reclassification. Part I: The Discrepancies and the Manager's Public Challenge Iris Hsieh, 31, was found unresponsive in a hotel bathtub on October 22, 2025, while in Malaysia to collaborate with Namewee on a video project. Namewee reported the incident, but the investigation quickly raised serious questions. The Key Points of Contradiction: Namewee's Arrest: During the initial investigation, police reportedly found pills suspected to be ecstasy in the hotel...

Crackdown on Illegal Cross-Border Rides: 9 Drivers Caught, Vehicles Seized

  Authorities have announced the results of a recent enforcement operation targeting illegal cross-border ride-hailing services. The Land Transport Authority, in collaboration with industry associations, has taken action against drivers providing unauthorized passenger transport. In the most recent operations, a total of nine drivers were apprehended. These enforcement actions took place at the land checkpoints, as well as within local areas such as North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. As a consequence of their illegal activities, all vehicles used by these drivers were impounded by the authorities. This action is part of a broader, ongoing effort to curb unlicensed transport services. The Minister for Land Transport, Sun Xueling, provided further details on the enforcement timeline. She stated that five vehicles were seized during operations conducted at the land checkpoints on November 4. Prior to this, another four vehicles had been impounded over the preceding three weeks in var...

Rapper Charged with Drug Use After Influencer Hsieh Yu-hsin Death

  Malaysian rapper Namewee has become embroiled in a complex investigation following the death of Taiwanese influencer Hsieh Yu-hsin, who was widely known online as the Nurse Goddess. The incident occurred in late October while the two were reportedly abroad working on a collaborative video project. According to police reports from the Cameron Highlands district, the sequence of events began when Namewee and Hsieh were discussing their work in a hotel room. Hsieh subsequently entered the bathroom alone to shower. After she failed to emerge for approximately half an hour, Namewee grew concerned and checked on her. He discovered her lifeless body in the bathtub and immediately attempted to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When his efforts proved unsuccessful, he placed a call to the emergency services at around 12:30 PM. The situation took a turn when paramedics arrived at the scene. It was reported that Namewee did not provide a detailed account of the incident and began mo...

Australian Man Jailed for Airport Thefts

  An Australian national faced a Singapore court and was sentenced to ten days in prison for a series of thefts committed while he was in transit at Changi Airport. Aaron Gary Slater, 45 years old, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft on October 31. The incidents occurred on September 2. Slater was waiting for a connecting flight to the Maldives after arriving from Melbourne. Instead of proceeding to his gate, he embarked on a shoplifting spree within the transit area of Terminal 2. His criminal activities began at approximately 7:30 PM when he entered a store specializing in travel products. There, he selected a blue piece of luggage valued at one thousand and forty-five dollars from a shelf and exited the store without making any payment. This entire act was recorded by the store's security camera system. However, his theft did not stop there. Over the course of that evening, he targeted several other retail outlets. The list of stolen items is extensive and includes a pink p...

Singapore Seizes $150 Million in Major International Money Laundering Raid

  In a significant enforcement action against a transnational criminal network, law enforcement authorities in Singapore have seized and frozen assets with an estimated value of over one hundred and fifty million dollars. The operation, which took place on October 30, 2025, targeted an individual named Chen Zhi and his associates, who are linked to serious offences including money laundering and forgery. According to official statements, the individuals at the center of this investigation are currently not within Singapore. The case has its origins in financial intelligence received by the police in 2024 from the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office. This initial information prompted local investigations. Given that the alleged criminal activities were being conducted overseas, Singaporean authorities engaged with their international counterparts to gather information and seek assistance. The investigation advanced significantly following public announcements made by authorities...

Singapore Hunts 27 Citizens in Cambodian Phone Scam Ring

  Singapore authorities have launched an international manhunt for thirty-four individuals wanted in connection with a massive government official impersonation scam syndicate operating from Cambodia. The Singapore Police Force announced on October 29th that they are seeking twenty-seven Singaporean nationals and seven Malaysian citizens believed to be key participants in the criminal organization responsible for substantial financial losses. According to police statements, the sophisticated scam network has targeted numerous Singaporean victims through government official impersonation schemes, resulting in at least 438 confirmed cases with total losses exceeding S$41 million. The elaborate operation functioned from a dedicated scam compound located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, demonstrating the transnational nature of modern cybercrime organizations. The identification of these suspects followed a successful joint operation conducted on September 9th between the Singapore Police Forc...

Singaporean Man Caught with Drugs at Cruise Centre

  A 50-year-old Singaporean man has been arrested for drug offenses following a coordinated operation between the Central Narcotics Bureau and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority at the Singapore Cruise Centre on October 17th. ICA officers initially detected the man through a positive methamphetamine test. CNB officers subsequently searched his belongings, finding 5 Erimin-5 tablets, 3 Ecstasy tablets, 3.78g of Ice, vape devices, and drug paraphernalia. The man was then escorted to his residence, where additional searches uncovered 15.5g of Ice and more drug-related equipment. Investigations are ongoing. Under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act, drug consumption, possession, and trafficking are serious offenses. Authorities remind the public that Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are liable for drug consumption offenses regardless of where the drugs were consumed.

Renovation Contractor Found Guilty of Raping Female Client

  The High Court of Singapore delivered a significant verdict on October 28th, finding a married renovation contractor guilty of raping his female client. The accused, 49-year-old Koh Lee Hwa (a Singapore Permanent Resident), was convicted on four charges including molestation, sexual assault, and rape after maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. The case originated from a serious sexual assault incident that occurred on August 23rd, 2021. Court documents revealed that the professional relationship between the accused and the victim began in 2015 when the contractor performed renovation work at the victim's residence. The situation developed on August 21st, 2021, when the victim contacted Koh regarding malfunctioning lights in her kitchen and toilet, requesting an inspection. Koh visited the premises the following day and identified issues with the electrical wiring in the distribution box, scheduling a return visit on August 23rd to complete repairs with necessary tools. ...

58 Arrested in Major Raid on Singapore Entertainment Outlets

  Singapore authorities conducted a major coordinated enforcement operation targeting two public entertainment outlets on October 23rd, 2025, resulting in the arrest of fifty-eight individuals for various employment violations. The joint operation involved officers from the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Police Force, and Health Sciences Authority working in concert to address systematic abuses within the entertainment industry. The enforcement action focused on violations of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990, with the majority of those arrested being foreign nationals working illegally without valid work passes. Among the fifty-eight individuals detained, thirty-two were foreign performing artistes who had been hired under the specialized Work Permit scheme but were found to be working without proper authorization at the two entertainment establishments. The remaining twenty-six individuals arrested comprised twenty-two foreigners and four Singapore Permanent Residents,...

CNB Arrests Four Foreign Nationals in Woodlands Drug Bust

  Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau has conducted another successful enforcement operation, resulting in the arrest of four foreign nationals in the Woodlands area on October 22nd. The coordinated action targeted suspected drug activities at a foreign worker residential lodging located in the vicinity of Woodlands Avenue 1. The operation unfolded in the late morning hours when CNB officers, acting on received intelligence, launched a targeted raid at the residential facility. During the enforcement action, authorities apprehended four male foreign nationals ranging in age from 24 to 36 years. Among those arrested was a 32-year-old man suspected of drug trafficking offenses, while the three other individuals—aged 24, 30, and 36—were detained for suspected drug abuse violations. Following the arrests, CNB personnel conducted comprehensive searches of both the individuals and their living quarters. The operation yielded significant quantities of controlled substances, including 68 ...

Second Chinese National Banker Jailed in Singapore's $3B Money Laundering Case

  A second financial professional has been sentenced to prison for their involvement in Singapore's largest money laundering case, marking continued legal repercussions in the extensive $3 billion probe. Liu Kai, a 36-year-old Chinese national and former relationship manager at Swiss private bank Julius Baer, received a four-month jail sentence on October 24th after pleading guilty to forgery charges. The conviction centers on Liu's actions in November 2020, when he assisted Chinese national Lin Baoying in submitting a falsified tax document. Lin, who holds passports from Cambodia, Dominica, and Turkey, was the only female among the ten foreign nationals convicted in the massive money laundering investigation and had previously been sentenced to fifteen months imprisonment in May 2024. Court proceedings revealed that the forged document Liu facilitated was specifically intended to help Lin establish a bank account in Switzerland. Evidence presented showed that Liu received mult...