Singapore police have arrested Nigel Tang Wan Bao Nabil, a US-sanctioned Singaporean linked to one of Asia’s largest alleged scam networks. Authorities confirmed Tang was taken into custody on December 11 after returning to Singapore. He is currently out on bail, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Police said Tang is being investigated for suspected money laundering offences connected to Chen Zhi and companies associated with him. Chen, a China-born Cambodian citizen, has been indicted by US authorities for allegedly leading a transnational scam syndicate involving forced labor and large-scale financial fraud.
US prosecutors accuse Chen and his Prince Holding Group of orchestrating online “pig butchering” scams that targeted victims across multiple countries, laundering billions of dollars in illicit proceeds. The 38-year-old is believed to be at large.
Tang, 32, was among three Singapore citizens sanctioned by the United States in October for ties to Chen. According to the US Treasury, Tang served as captain of Chen’s 53-meter luxury superyacht, NONNI II, and held senior roles at Warpcapital Yacht Management Pte, a Singapore-registered firm. He was also head of operations at Capital Zone Warehousing Pte, a Chen-controlled company operating a tax-exempt warehouse for alcohol and tobacco imports.
Tang has not responded to requests for comment, while Prince Holding Group has denied all allegations related to scam operations.
Since the US unveiled its case against Chen, Singapore authorities and international counterparts have intensified investigations into his business network. Court filings show that at least 15 bank accounts linked to Chen’s companies have been seized. Several firms have applied for limited access to frozen funds to cover salaries, rent, and legal expenses.
Singapore prosecutors have opposed the request, stating the funds are suspected to be linked to criminal activity. The Commercial Affairs Department is currently investigating Chen, his associates, and related companies as part of ongoing money laundering probes.
