Individual Caught for Misappropriating Stolen KrisFlyer Miles for Shopping at Changi Airport and Bugis
A 28-year-old man is set to face charges on Thursday for allegedly exploiting illegally obtained KrisFlyer miles to make purchases. The Indonesian national is said to have accessed other individuals' KrisFlyer accounts, after acquiring them unlawfully online, according to police statements released on Wednesday.
Upon arriving in Singapore in June 2023, the accused is believed to have utilized the stolen KrisFlyer miles to purchase a Samsung phone and phone cover from a store at Changi Airport, in addition to buying pastries from a store in Bugis, totaling more than S$1,600.
The detective work commenced when local businesses discovered the suspicious transactions. Singapore Airlines submitted a police report on October 11, 2024, but the suspect had already departed the country the following month. He was later apprehended at Changi Airport on January 11, 2025, upon his return to Singapore.
The man will be charged with two counts of illegal access to computer material, under Section 3(1)(a) of the Computer Misuse Act 1993. These charges carry a fine not exceeding S$5,000, up to two years' imprisonment, or both. He also faces two counts of unauthorized modification of computer material, with fines of up to S$10,000, up to three years' imprisonment, or both, under the same Act.
The police strongly advise the public to strengthen the security of their online accounts by enabling multi-factor or two-factor authentication where feasible. Moreover, they encourage reporting any questionable or unauthorized transactions to your service provider or bank immediately.
Unauthorized computer material access and modifications in Singapore, including cases pertaining to KrisFlyer accounts, are primarily covered by the Computer Misuse Act 1993. Consequences for such offenses can range from fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and nature of the crime (civil liability, account termination, and reputation damage may also apply).
The 28-year-old man's alleged exploitation of illegally obtained KrisFlyer miles for purchasing goods, as reported in the case on Wednesday, is a clear example of technology misuse, falling under the Category of General-News. His impending charges for illegal access and unauthorized modification of computer material are a reminder that such crimes, like the ones he is accused of, are seriously punishable under Singapore's Crime-and-Justice laws, specifically the Computer Misuse Act 1993.
