Three Malaysian nationals who were charged in connection with a parcel scam about two weeks ago, now face charges that would result in more severe punishment if they were convicted.
Hiu Sheng Fatt, Ooi Lun Xiang and Tee Jia Yong were arrested on 14 July 2016 in suspicion for their involvement in a parcel scam.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Charis Low said on Thursday (28 July), that those men came to Singapore on 14 July to withdraw $143,800 from Hui’s UOB bank account.
The prosecution has pressed for more serious charges against the trio, who were first charged on 16 July for dishonestly receiving stolen property where, if convicted, they each face a jail term of up to five years, or a fine, or both.
The new charges, under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Series Crimes Act for handling the money – the benefits of criminal conduct – could see the trio jailed for up to 10 years and/or fined up to $500,000 if they are found guilty.
This is double of the jail term the men would have to face if the prosecution not amended their charges.
DPP Low objected bail for Hiu, who has “no roots or assets in Singapore, and is a flight risk”.
The prosecutor said the men’s offences were “grave; involving a foreign syndicate.”
Of the $143,800 the trio have been accused of withdrawing from the UOB account, the prosecution believes at least $121,900 has been taken out of the country.
Police has received more than 3,000 calls and reports from March to June this year, of which 155 victims have lost more than $12 million, DPP Low also explained.