Couple behind S$32 million luxury goods scam who fled Singapore, caught in JB Malaysia

The duo who scammed victims of over S$32 million was arrested in a hotel in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) received information on the couple’s presumed location on Wednesday (Aug 10) after fleeing Singapore on July 4.

SPF worked with the Royal Malaysia Police, and a warrant of arrest was executed for Pi Jiapeng, 26, and Thai national Pansuk Siriwipa, 27, the following day.

“SPF has been working closely with various foreign law enforcement agencies to secure the couple’s return to Singapore. A warrant of arrest was issued against the couple on July 16,” SPF said in a Straits Times report.

The duo was handed over to SPF on Thursday and will be charged in court for criminal conspiracy to commit cheating and illegal departure from Singapore.

It was reported that they were alone when arrested at the hotel. They were escorted by SPF officers carrying two black bags believed to contain the couple’s personal belongings.

“The Singapore authorities will do whatever is necessary and permissible under Singapore law to pursue and bring to justice those who commit crimes in Singapore, regardless of where they might have fled to. We will also not hesitate to take firm action against fraudsters,” said SPF.

Upon hearing of the couple’s arrest, one of the victims, who paid S$280,000 for two Rolex watches and a Patek Philippe watch that was never delivered, jumped for joy.

“I practically jumped up and told my wife the good news. I feel so relieved. It is half a burden off my chest. The other half is still weighing on me because I’m wondering if I can get my money back,” he noted.

Another victim who lost S$23,500 thanked authorities for their assistance and added she has hope again in getting some closure and perhaps getting her money back. /TISG

Couple disappeared with $32M without delivering ordered branded goods by 200 people, netizens blame customers for blind trust & greed