De Villar Rizalyn Panganiban, 35, was sentenced on August 24, 2026, to 25 months in jail for her role in a Cambodia-based scam syndicate targeting victims in Singapore [1, 2, 3, 4]. The syndicate caused estimated losses of SGD 52.5 million across Singapore [2, 3, 4].

De Villar was among 12 people charged in September 2025 after a coordinated cross-border operation between the Singapore Police Force and Cambodian National Police that dismantled the group [1, 2, 3, 4]. She had traveled to Cambodia in late March 2025 seeking work but was recruited into a scam compound where she was scripted to make scam calls [1, 2, 3, 4].

She stayed at the initial Cambodia compound from March 29 to April 24, 2025, then was moved to another compound in Laos [2, 3, 4]. Although De Villar denied knowing Singapore’s location or the nature of her work, the court ruled she had sufficient knowledge Singapore was the target based on references to addresses, currency, institutions, and instructed Singapore English accent [1].

The syndicate had a sophisticated hierarchy with members posing as bank officers and government officials, using AI-generated images, official uniforms, and fabricated backdrops resembling Singapore public agencies [2, 3, 4]. Its laundering operations involved mule accounts, runners, and converting illicit funds into cryptocurrency to anonymize transfers [2, 3, 4]. Deputy Public Prosecutor Yeo Kee Hwan described the money laundering as “a distinct and equally sophisticated operation involving mule accounts, runners, and cryptocurrency” [2].

De Villar was motivated by financial gain but did not successfully scam victims, failing a test set by the syndicate [2, 3, 4]. Prosecutors sought at least 27 months’ jail, but Principal District Judge Thian Yee Sze sentenced her to 25 months, emphasizing general deterrence given the transnational reach of the organised crime group. The judge said, “The sentence had to be substantial enough to deter those tempted to become involved in similar activities” [2].

De Villar’s sentencing marks the latest development following her arrest and charge in September 2025 as Singapore authorities continue to target transnational scam syndicates exploiting victims across borders [1, 2, 3, 4].