A significant development has emerged in a high-profile jewellery theft case in Singapore, involving a Chinese national named Long Zhihua, aged 39. Long, who is alleged to have participated in the theft of jewellery valued at over S$570,000 alongside an accomplice, has reportedly gone missing while out on bail. An arrest warrant has now been issued for his apprehension.
Details of the Theft Incident
The incident occurred on the night of June 21, when Long and his accomplice, Luo Changchang, allegedly broke into a residential property located on Windsor Park Road. The duo is accused of stealing jewellery belonging to a 53-year-old woman, with the total value of the stolen items amounting to S$570,100. Following the theft, police managed to apprehend the suspects on June 26, recovering some of the stolen goods from a hotel room in Geylang. However, a substantial portion of the jewellery, worth S$390,200, remains unaccounted for, and the suspects have not disclosed its whereabouts.
After their arrest, both men initially pleaded guilty in December 2024 but later retracted their pleas, prompting the reopening of the case. A pre-trial conference was scheduled, and Long was granted bail on April 1, 2025, with a requirement to appear in court on April 25. However, he failed to attend this hearing, leading to a postponement of the conference to May 23. Subsequent attempts to contact him were unsuccessful, resulting in the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
While Long has become uncontactable since shortly after being granted bail, his accomplice, Luo, remains in custody and is scheduled to plead guilty on July 25. Luo has been detained since their arrest in June of the previous year. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high value of the stolen items and the circumstances surrounding Long’s disappearance.
The Singaporean authorities are now actively seeking Long Zhihua, and the public is urged to report any sightings or information regarding his whereabouts. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with serious crimes and the importance of ensuring that individuals granted bail comply with legal obligations.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on recovering the missing jewellery and bringing those responsible for this crime to justice. The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate theft, raising questions about the effectiveness of the bail system and the measures in place to monitor individuals awaiting trial.
In conclusion, the disappearance of Long Zhihua adds a complex layer to an already intricate legal situation, and the authorities are determined to resolve this case swiftly and effectively.