Cases of Singaporeans Being Targeted for Kidnapping or Other Violent Crimes Overseas
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether Singaporeans are increasingly targeted for kidnapping or violent crimes overseas, common targeting methods, and cross-border law enforcement cooperation, as asked by Mr Saktiandi Supaat. Minister K Shanmugam replied that there is no evidence suggesting recent kidnapping cases are linked or part of a broader trend. He noted that the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has not identified common targeting patterns, though the public should exercise caution with online acquaintances inviting them abroad. Furthermore, the SPF maintains close bilateral cooperation and regular information exchange with foreign agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police. Finally, Singapore continues to strengthen regional and international cooperation through platforms such as ASEANAPOL and INTERPOL to share intelligence, coordinate investigations, and support enforcement against transnational criminal networks.
Transcript
56 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in light of recent cases of Singaporeans kidnapped for ransom in Malaysia (a) whether the Government has observed an increase in Singaporeans targeted for kidnapping or other violent crimes overseas; (b) whether common methods of targeting victims have been identified; and (c) how Singapore is strengthening its cross-border law-enforcement cooperation against such threats.
Mr K Shanmugam: There is no evidence to suggest that the recent kidnapping cases are related or are part of a broader trend of Singaporeans being targeted overseas for kidnapping or other violent crimes.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has not identified any common pattern in the methods used to target Singaporeans overseas. Nevertheless, members of the public should exercise caution when interacting with people they meet online who invite them to meet overseas, particularly if they do not know the person well.
SPF maintains close and longstanding cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police. This includes regular information exchange, established liaison channels and operational coordination, where necessary. SPF also works with regional and international partners through platforms, such as ASEANAPOL and INTERPOL, to share intelligence, coordinate investigations and support enforcement action against transnational criminal networks. We will continue to strengthen these bilateral and multilateral channels.