In a shocking incident that unfolded over six months, Eka Yuniarsih, an Indonesian maid in Singapore entrusted with the care of her employer’s 95-year-old father, committed a grave breach of trust.
She stole $88,600 from her employer’s 95-year-old elderly father by withdrawing it from his bank account, according to Channel NewsAsia.
She was then found out after the elderly man died, and his son received a bank statement.
She was subsequently sentenced on 14 November to 15 months imprisonment after being charged with one count of criminal breach of trust by dishonest appropriation, as well as being ordered to pay a compensation of $5,442.
Background
Eka Yuniarsih, a 32-year-old Indonesian national, was hired to care for her employer’s aging father, a role she fulfilled for two to three years until the elderly man’s passing at 95.
In an unforeseen turn of events, the elderly man entrusts Eka with his ATM card and PIN, seeking her assistance in withdrawing money as he navigates life in a wheelchair.
The Elaborate Scheme
Faced with substantial debts back in Indonesia, Eka devises a plan to siphon money from the elderly man’s bank account to settle her financial woes.
Between January 30 and July 7, Eka executes a meticulous plan, making 89 withdrawals from the bank account without triggering the bank’s automatic alert system.
To avoid suspicion, Eka ensures each withdrawal stays under S$1,000, preventing the bank’s automatic alert system from activating.
In April, Eka takes a trip to Indonesia, carrying S$8,000 in cash obtained through her illicit activities.
The crime comes to light only after the elderly man’s death when his son reviews the bank statement for June.
Confronted by the son, Eka initially denies involvement, claiming the withdrawals were made by the elderly man himself.
Escalation to Legal Consequences
Frustrated by the apparent deceit, the son files a police report, initiating a legal pursuit of justice against Eka.
Under mounting pressure, Eka confesses to the crime, leading to her arrest and the seizure of the victim’s ATM card along with a portion of the stolen cash.