A 60-year-old Singaporean man has admitted to stealing premium beef products worth more than S$400 in a single day, with incidents reported at two well-known Orchard Road supermarkets.
Court documents revealed that the man, identified as Chua Peng Kiong, faced two theft-related charges. He has since pleaded guilty to one count, while the second will be considered during sentencing.
Investigations showed that both incidents occurred on Jan. 20, 2025, raising concerns over retail theft involving high-value food items such as imported Wagyu beef, which has seen rising demand amid increasing grocery prices in Singapore.
Theft At Orchard Supermarkets Raises Eyebrows
The first incident took place at Cold Storage located within Takashimaya Shopping Centre. According to reports, Chua entered the supermarket shortly after 2pm and was observed behaving suspiciously by a store employee.
He allegedly placed an empty reusable bag into his shopping basket before proceeding to select several high-end meat products. These included three packs of Angus grain-fed ribeye and a packet of Japanese A4 Wagyu beef, with a combined value exceeding S$240.
After concealing the items in his eco-bag, Chua reportedly exited the store without making payment at around 2:58pm. However, he was quickly stopped by a supermarket inspector, who detained him and alerted the authorities. Police later recovered the stolen items, which were returned to the store.
Earlier Incident At Don Don Donki
Prior to the Cold Storage case, Chua was also accused of stealing from Don Don Donki at Orchard Central earlier the same day.
In that incident, he allegedly took five packets of premium Wagyu beef, totalling approximately S$167. The selection included various cuts such as A4 Wagyu Karubi, Zabuton shabu-shabu slices, and Kata Rosu, all known for their high price points and popularity among consumers seeking luxury dining at home.
Retail analysts note that such theft cases often involve easily resellable or high-demand items, particularly amid ongoing discussions about cost of living and food inflation in Singapore.
Court Proceedings And Sentencing Outcome Pending
During court proceedings on Apr. 14, 2026, Chua’s lawyer appealed for leniency, stating that his client had shown genuine remorse and was prepared to accept responsibility for his actions.
The prosecution did not oppose a request for a mandatory treatment order assessment, which could indicate underlying issues contributing to the offences. This form of sentencing is sometimes considered in cases where rehabilitation is deemed more appropriate than punishment.
The case has since been adjourned, with sentencing scheduled for May 20, 2026. If convicted, theft offences in Singapore can carry serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and circumstances of the crime.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by retailers in managing shoplifting risks, especially involving premium goods, while also shedding light on broader socio-economic pressures that may contribute to such behaviour.