SINGAPORE- A serial fraudster was arrested this week following an intensive investigation into a string of luxury watch scams conducted on the popular e-commerce platform Carousell. The suspect is alleged to have targeted high-value buyers by listing authentic-looking timepieces at competitive prices, only to disappear after receiving substantial deposits or full payments. Police officers from the Commercial Affairs Department successfully tracked the suspect through a series of bank accounts used to launder the illicit proceeds.

The scam involved the use of high-quality photographs and positive feedback ratings, which the suspect had allegedly manipulated to build a false sense of trust. Once a buyer expressed interest, the fraudster would move the conversation to private messaging applications to avoid the platform's built-in security features. Victims reported losing amounts ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars in a single transaction.

The investigation was triggered by a surge in police reports from victims who realized they had been defrauded when the promised watches were never delivered. In some instances, buyers received packages containing worthless items or counterfeit replicas of significantly lower quality. The suspect’s operation was highly organized, involving the use of multiple aliases and "money mule" accounts to obscure the trail of funds.

During the arrest, police seized several luxury watches, mobile phones, and a significant amount of cash believed to be linked to the fraudulent activities. The suspect is also being investigated for his involvement in other e-commerce scams beyond the luxury watch market. He has been remanded in custody as the prosecution prepares a comprehensive list of charges related to cheating and money laundering.

Carousell has issued a statement advising users to utilize their in-platform payment system, which offers buyer protection and escrow services. They emphasized that transactions conducted outside the official platform carry a significantly higher risk of fraud. The company is currently cooperating with the police to provide data that could lead to the identification of further victims or accomplices.

The luxury watch market in Singapore remains a prime target for scammers due to the high resale value and strong demand for brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. Authorities have noted that fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often using stolen identities to create credible-looking profiles. Buyers are urged to conduct face-to-face meetups at reputable watch dealers to verify authenticity before releasing any funds.

The suspect appeared in court via video link, where he was informed of the initial charges against him. Under Singapore’s Penal Code, the offense of cheating carries a maximum prison term of ten years per charge. Given the serial nature of the crimes, the prosecution is expected to seek a substantial sentence to deter others from engaging in similar e-commerce fraud.

Community groups on social media have been active in warning potential buyers about the specific tactics used in this case. Many victims have come forward to share their experiences, helping to map out the fraudster’s methods. The police have thanked the public for their assistance in providing the leads that eventually led to the suspect's identification and capture.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on the recovery of funds for the impacted victims, though officials admit that much of the money may have already been spent or moved offshore. The arrest serves as a timely reminder of the risks associated with high-value peer-to-peer transactions. The trial is scheduled to begin later this year as more evidence is processed.

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