Six jailed for S$4.9 million crypto poker robbery in Singapore

Six Malaysian men have been sentenced to prison for an armed robbery at a high‑stakes poker game in Singapore that resulted in the theft of roughly S$4.9 million in cryptocurrency, cash and luxury items.

Sentences and penalties

Wong Chi San, 35, and Goh Boon Tong, 30, received the longest terms – 12 years and 11 months each – together with 24 strokes of the cane and a S$4,000 fine. The other four defendants received prison terms ranging from seven years and eight months to ten years and six months, also with 24 strokes of the cane where applicable. One defendant, Mohd Hashim Ismail, 51, was exempt from caning due to his age.

Value of stolen property

Police recovered about S$1.69 million, leaving an estimated S$3.21 million still missing. Court evidence placed the total loss at around S$4.9 million, up from the initial police estimate of S$4.34 million.

• Cryptocurrency: approximately S$3.6 million, primarily USDT.
• Cash: S$210,000 in Singapore dollars and roughly US$40,000 in other cash.
• Luxury watches: a Patek Philippe valued above S$500,000, plus Rolex and Richard Mille pieces.
• Other items: Emirati dirham worth S$55,500 and assorted personal belongings.

How the robbery unfolded

The gang targeted a poker game held at a residence in King Albert Park after learning that participants often settled bets with cryptocurrency. On the night of 17 April 2024, seven masked men entered the home after 2 a.m., restraining the 11 occupants, taping their mouths and searching phones for crypto wallets. The leaders, Wong and Goh, directed transfers from the hostess’s phone to a wallet they controlled.

Recovery of crypto assets

During mitigation, Goh’s lawyer testified that about 800,000 USDT was recovered from an estimated 1.1 million USDT transferred to the defendants after the robbery. The court did not disclose wallet addresses, preventing independent verification.

Broader context of violent crypto thefts

Analysts note a rise in “wrench attacks” – physical assaults used to force cryptocurrency transfers. In the first half of 2026, Chainalysis recorded 46 such incidents worldwide, with home invasions accounting for 37 % of cases. CertiK identified 52 verified wrench attacks in the same period, estimating exposure of $124.1 million.

Remaining suspect

A seventh alleged participant, Muhammad Yusuf Kassim, remains at large, believed to have fled from Malaysia to Thailand.