Man Charged with Hacking into NTUC FairPrice Accounts

Singaporean Ong Jian Zhen, 34, has been charged with hacking into multiple NTUC FairPrice and Zalora accounts, allegedly making fraudulent online purchases worth at least S$25,000 (US$19,400) between July and November 2022.

A Global Quest for Justice

Ong was arrested on arrival in Singapore on Monday, August 25, 2025, after being deported from Thailand. The arrest came after a global effort by the Singapore Police Force to track down Ong, who had evaded justice for years.

A Trail of Deception

Ong's hacking spree began in Thailand, where he was initially arrested and jailed for drug-related and immigration offenses in October 2022. However, he managed to escape and flee the country before being released from prison on July 30th. He then went into hiding, using his newfound freedom to continue his cybercrime activities.

A Web of Collusion

Police said that Ong allegedly worked with at least six other individuals in his hacking scheme, using their compromised accounts to make fraudulent purchases. The sheer scale of the operation was staggering, with thousands of dollars lost by unsuspecting customers.

The Road to Justice

Ong's arrest marked a significant turning point in the investigation, which had spanned months and involved collaboration with foreign law enforcement counterparts. His remand, with permission granted for him to be taken out for investigations, allowed police to continue building their case against him.

A History of Evasion

Ong's notoriety extends beyond his current charges. He had initially been charged in October 2021 with cheating and failed to attend subsequent court hearings. A warrant of arrest was issued against him, but he managed to evade capture before being arrested by Thai authorities.

The Consequences

If found guilty, Ong may face jail time of up to two years, fines of up to S$5,000, or both. The severity of his punishment serves as a warning to would-be cybercriminals, ensuring that those who engage in such activities are held accountable for their actions.

A Cautionary Tale

Ong's story serves as a reminder of the dangers of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance online. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our defenses against it. By working together, we can build a safer digital landscape for all.