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MOM: All 10 suspects in S$1 billion money laundering case held Singapore Employment and Dependant Passes

On Friday (18 Aug), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) disclosed that the ten foreign nationals apprehended in the S$1 billion money laundering case possessed Employment and Dependant Passes.

“These individuals held EPs and DPs. We will take the necessary action against them if serious offences are disclosed, in consultation with the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers,” said MOM in a statement.

MOM stressed that it will not hesitate to prosecute errant individuals for false declaration offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. 

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1 year ago

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SINGAPORE:  On Tuesday (15 Aug), The Singapore Police Force (SPF)  apprehended ten individuals and confiscated assets, including properties and luxury cars, with an estimated value of approximately S$1 billion (equivalent to US$737 million).

On Friday (18 Aug), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) disclosed that the 10 foreigners, consisting of nine men and one woman aged between 31 and 44, held Employment (EP) and Dependant Passes (DP).

Singapore police earlier noted that all the persons involved in the high-profile money laundering case are neither Singapore citizens nor permanent residents.

These ten individuals, originating from diverse nationalities but sharing a common Fujian origin, were taken into custody and formally charged in court on the evening of Wednesday.

Out of the group of ten, three are Chinese nationals. The remaining seven consist of three Cambodians, two Cypriots, one Turkish, and one Vanuatu national.

These individuals are facing a range of charges, including forgery, money laundering, and resisting arrest.

Additionally, twelve individuals are currently assisting with ongoing investigations, and eight others are on the police’s list of wanted suspects.

In response to media inquiries, MOM stated that it is collaborating with the police in the investigation of these foreign nationals.

MOM further clarified that if serious offenses are uncovered, appropriate actions will be taken in consultation with both the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“These individuals held EPs and DPs. We will take the necessary action against them if serious offences are disclosed, in consultation with the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.”

MOM highlighted the requirement for all employers and work pass applicants to provide accurate information in their applications.

“This includes company details and applicants’ personal particulars, as well as work experience, salary and qualifications. MOM will assess all applications and look into any suspicious information.”

MOM stressed that it will not hesitate to prosecute errant individuals for false declaration offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

Convictions for such offences could result in a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, per charge.

Moreover, employers who are found to have violated the law will also face the suspension of their work pass privileges.

This high-profile money laundering case has reverberated across the entire island, sparking inquiries into the extended periods of residence for some suspects within Singapore.

Additionally, the significant property acquisitions made by certain individuals in the city-state have garnered substantial media attention, prompting public discussion and scrutiny.

On Wednesday (16 Aug), the Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced a raid involving over 400 officers across the island to crack down on the high-profile money-laundering case, resulting in the historic seizure of assets amounting to roughly S$1 billion.

High-profile money laundering suspects linked to multi-million dollar property acquisitions and alleged ‘Fujian Gang’ network

Singapore Chinese media Lianhe Zaobao earlier reported that one of the arrested individuals, a Chinese national from Fujian, is alleged to have acquired 20 units at CanningHill Piers for an estimated S$85 million in June last year.

Notably, one of the suspects, Su Haijin, was reportedly a shareholder or director in multiple companies and had purportedly received S$36.37 million for a pair of adjacent bungalows in Sentosa Cove.

An informed insider source disclosed to the media suggesting that the alleged money laundering group, known as the “Fujian Gang,” may comprise hundreds.

Within this group, there are several main factions with surnames like Su, Wang, Hu, and Chen.

Among the apprehended, Su Haijin and Wang Dehai are suspected to lead the Su and Wang factions, respectively.

A property broker, interviewed by Zaobao, revealed that many members of the Fujian group are known for their active nightlife, often indulging in extravagant expenditures exceeding S$100,000 during a single evening at nightclubs.

Furthermore, they have engaged in significant acquisitions of upscale residences in prominent locations like Sentosa Cove and the Orchard Road vicinity.

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Crime

Singaporean fugitive deported from Thailand, to be charged with drug trafficking

A Singaporean fugitive arrested in Thailand, was deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024 and faces drug trafficking charges. Authorities expect him to face the death penalty under Singapore’s tough drug laws for running a smuggling operation between Thailand, Australia, and Singapore.

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8 hours ago

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19 September 2024

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A 31-year-old Singaporean man, wanted for drug trafficking offences, was arrested in Thailand and deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024.

The fugitive, identified as Benny Kee Soon Chuan, was apprehended by Thai police at his residence near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and will face charges in court on 20 September.

Kee, described as a high-level trafficker, ran a smuggling operation that trafficked crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, and Ecstasy to Australia and Singapore using Thailand as a transit hub, according to Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).

Cross-Border Investigation and Arrest

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore had issued an arrest warrant for Kee following investigations into two drug trafficking cases in December 2020 and November 2022.

He had been on the run since 11 April 2016, prompting CNB to collaborate with its international counterparts, including the ONCB. Thai authorities were tipped off by CNB on 12 August 2024, and after weeks of investigation, Kee was apprehended on 17 September.

Thai immigration officials revealed that Kee had entered Thailand earlier in 2024 using a Vanuatu passport.

Following his arrest, Kee’s Thai visa was cancelled, and assets worth 15 million baht (S$585,000), including luxury watches, gold pieces, and a luxury car, were seized during a raid on his residence in Samut Prakan.

Lt Gen Panurat confirmed that the fugitive had been living an affluent lifestyle in Thailand despite lacking legitimate employment.

Links to Broader Drug Network

Kee is believed to be linked to other Singaporean traffickers involved in the smuggling of drugs from Thailand.

In March 2021, Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (AITF) intercepted packages containing Ecstasy and ketamine destined for Singapore, as well as crystal methamphetamine bound for Australia.

Two other Singaporean men, aged 21 and 29 at the time of their arrests, were later sentenced to imprisonment and caning in Singapore for their involvement in these operations, which were connected to Kee’s trafficking network.

Death Penalty Under Singaporean Law

Kee’s deportation to Singapore brings him under the jurisdiction of Singapore’s severe drug laws, which prescribe the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking substantial amounts of controlled substances.

Singaporean authorities have indicated that he could face the death penalty under the country’s strict drug trafficking laws. Pol Lt Gen Panurat indicated that Singaporean authorities are expected to seek the maximum penalty for Kee’s alleged offences.

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Crime

Islamic firm CEO among 19 arrested in Malaysia’s charity home abuse scandal

The CEO of Islamic firm Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) and his wife were among 19 arrested by Malaysian authorities on Thursday for alleged child abuse linked to their charity homes. Last week, police rescued 402 children from these homes. Investigations revealed a horrifying network of abuse, with at least 13 children allegedly sodomised or taught to sexually assault others.

Published

12 hours ago

on

19 September 2024

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MALAYSIA: In a major crackdown, Malaysian police have arrested several members of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) top management, including CEO Nasiruddin Ali and his wife.

The arrests were made in a special operation conducted by Bukit Aman’s criminal investigation department at multiple locations.

As of 19 September, total of 19 people were detained, including the CEO’s two children and the child of former Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad.

Among those arrested are 12 men and seven women, aged between 30 and 65.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed the arrests and promised to provide updates soon.

The arrests come on the heels of a significant child sexual abuse scandal involving GISBH.

Last week, police rescued 402 children from 20 welfare homes linked to the organization in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

They also arrested 171 people, including an ustaz and a hostel warden.

The case sent shockwaves throughout the country as investigations revealed a horrifying network of child abuse.

At least 13 of the rescued children were allegedly sodomized or taught to sexually assault others.

GISBH initially denied operating the welfare homes and rejected the allegations of abuse.

However, Nasiruddin later admitted that cases of sodomy had occurred within the organization in the past, while denying any deviant teachings.

In a related development, three men linked to GISBH pleaded not guilty in a Seremban court to charges of sexually assaulting boys aged between nine and 11 at a religious school associated with the organisation.

The alleged assaults took place between 2022 and 2023 in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

Additionally, another man was charged in Putrajaya for allegedly threatening a woman to withdraw a police report against GISBH.

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