International cooperation vital when crooks play 'Catch Me If You Can' across borders

Mutual assistance and coordinated action by prosecuting authorities go a long way in the fight against transnational crime.

- Lucien Wong

In recent years, Singapore has grappled with criminal actors located overseas who have targeted victims in Singapore. These criminal groups know that prosecution of a criminal ecosystem with networks operating in different countries is inherently challenging, as it requires a coordinated multi-jurisdictional response.

The increased use of digital payments and technology across the world has also given transnational criminal groups new tools to obfuscate their tracks. With a swipe on the mobile phone, proceeds of crime can be transferred across different countries at lightning speed and converted into other assets such as miscible fiat currency that cannot be traced back to the victim.

Playing "Catch Me If You Can" with such criminal groups requires an international response at equal speed.

This underlines the importance of fostering and strengthening cooperation between prosecuting authorities. Singapore is committed to working closely with our international counterparts to combat financial crime, including China and South-east Asia.