SINGAPORE — The Singapore Police Force has pushed back against a claim by US authorities that a technology company allegedly linked to a Chinese transnational cybercrime network is based in Singapore, saying there is no information or evidence to substantiate that the firm is incorporated in the country.
The dispute centres on SafeW Technology Co Ltd, a company that US authorities allegedly identified as being linked to Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language online marketplace accused of facilitating services connected to transnational cybercrime and scam operations.
Singapore police said they are now in contact with US authorities over the matter.
Singapore Police Move Quickly to Debunk Claim
According to Singapore police, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control had claimed in a now-unavailable press release that SafeW was based in Singapore and linked to Xinbi Guarantee.
But the Singapore Police Force said it found no evidence to support the claim that the company is incorporated in Singapore.
The authorities stressed that Singapore does not tolerate companies using the country as a base — or falsely claiming an association with Singapore — to facilitate criminal activity.
Police said firm action would be taken if wrongdoing is detected.
The case has now put an unusual spotlight on the risks of inaccurate corporate information being attached to Singapore in international investigations involving cybercrime and financial fraud.
US Crackdown Targets Xinbi Guarantee
The controversy emerged as the Trump administration launched a major crackdown against Xinbi Guarantee, which US authorities have linked to transnational cybercrime.
The Chinese-language marketplace is accused of providing a platform through which criminal networks could buy and sell illicit services and connect with merchants.
The US Department of Justice also announced action against Telegram channels and cryptocurrency wallets allegedly connected to the platform.
Reports said authorities froze more than US$52 million, or around S$65 million, in potentially laundered funds in a single day.
Xinbi Guarantee reportedly has more than 650,000 users, underlining the scale of the online ecosystem now being targeted by US law enforcement.
Why Xinbi Guarantee Is Under Scrutiny
According to reports, Xinbi Guarantee is accused of helping facilitate an underground marketplace offering services and resources that could support scam centres and other criminal operations.
The platform allegedly enabled criminal groups to connect with vendors and service providers, making it easier for transnational syndicates to operate across borders.
US authorities have increasingly focused on online platforms that may not directly carry out scams themselves but are allegedly used as marketplaces or infrastructure supporting wider criminal networks.
That approach reflects a growing shift in the global fight against cyber-enabled crime.
Instead of targeting only individual scammers, authorities are increasingly going after the digital platforms, communication channels, financial networks and service providers that allegedly help criminal organisations operate at scale.
Singapore Draws a Clear Line
Singapore’s response appears aimed at making one point clear: being named in a foreign allegation does not automatically mean a company is actually registered or operating in Singapore.
The police said there was no information or evidence substantiating the claim that SafeW Technology Co Ltd was incorporated in Singapore.
Authorities are nevertheless engaging their US counterparts on the matter.
Singapore has repeatedly positioned itself as a major international financial and technology hub while maintaining strict laws against money laundering, scams and organised crime.
That makes allegations involving companies supposedly based in Singapore particularly sensitive.
The government has also intensified efforts in recent years to strengthen its defences against money laundering and transnational criminal networks.
A Growing Global Battle Against Cybercrime
The case highlights the increasingly international nature of cybercrime.
A platform can have users in multiple countries.
Its operators may be located elsewhere.
Financial transactions may move through cryptocurrency wallets.
Communications may take place on encrypted messaging platforms.
And companies allegedly connected to the operation may be registered — or falsely claimed to be registered — in entirely different jurisdictions.
That makes investigations heavily dependent on cooperation between governments and law enforcement agencies.
Singapore police confirmed that they are in contact with US authorities regarding the SafeW matter, suggesting that the issue may require further clarification as investigations continue.
The Bigger Question: Was Singapore Incorrectly Dragged Into the Case?
The police response has raised an important question about how corporate information is verified during major international sanctions and cybercrime investigations.
Singapore has not disputed the broader US crackdown against alleged transnational cybercrime.
Instead, its objection is focused on the specific claim connecting SafeW Technology Co Ltd to Singapore.
That distinction could prove significant.
If the company was incorrectly identified as being based or incorporated in Singapore, authorities may need to determine how the information entered the US investigation and whether other details connected to the alleged network require further verification.
For now, Singapore police have made their position clear: they have found no evidence substantiating the claim that SafeW is incorporated in the country.
The Bottom Line
Singapore police have rejected a US claim that SafeW Technology Co Ltd — a company allegedly linked to Chinese transnational cybercrime-connected Xinbi Guarantee — is based in Singapore.
Police said there is no information or evidence to substantiate that the company is incorporated in Singapore and confirmed they are in contact with US authorities over the matter.
The development comes as the US intensifies its crackdown on Xinbi Guarantee, a massive Chinese-language marketplace accused of enabling illicit services and supporting transnational cybercrime networks.
But while US authorities pursue one of the biggest alleged online criminal ecosystems of its kind, Singapore has now drawn a firm line of its own: do not assume that a company’s alleged connection to Singapore is proof that the country is actually part of the network.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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