A former Singapore actor who previously made headlines for borrowing money from local celebrities is once again under public scrutiny after multiple police reports were lodged against him over unpaid debts reportedly amounting to around S$500,000.
According to reports, the man — identified only as “A” — had allegedly borrowed money from several people over the years, including former acquaintances, tour participants, friends, and even veteran Mediacorp artistes. Authorities are currently investigating the matter after at least six police reports were filed.
The case has resurfaced more than a decade after the man was first linked to similar allegations involving members of the entertainment industry in 2013.
Woman Claims She Lent Him S$50,000
One of the alleged victims, a 50-year-old housewife surnamed Chen, said she met “A” in 2022 through a mutual friend at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
She claimed the former actor introduced himself as a safe distancing ambassador during the pandemic period and also spoke about running tour-related businesses after the tourism sector slowed down during Covid-19.
Over the years, Chen reportedly joined several overseas tours organised by the man, including trips to Alaska, the Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, and the Mediterranean region.
Things allegedly changed in 2023 when “A” began complaining frequently about financial difficulties, frozen bank accounts, and being cheated by others.
Chen said she first lent him S$10,000 in May 2024. Although she initially had doubts, she later lowered her guard after he allegedly repaid another S$5,000 loan with an additional S$320 in interest.
That repayment reportedly convinced her that he could be trusted financially.
Borrowing Continued With Different Excuses
After gaining Chen’s confidence, the man allegedly continued borrowing larger sums of money. According to her, he cited various emergencies, including being stranded overseas without funds, lacking money for food, and needing urgent payments for tour group hotel bookings and flight deposits.
Chen claimed she transferred several thousand dollars on multiple occasions.
However, repayments eventually stopped, and she alleged that the former actor now owes her around S$50,000.
She lodged a police report in April 2026 after discovering she was not the only alleged victim.
Victims Discover His Past Allegations
Chen later found out that “A” was allegedly the same individual involved in earlier borrowing controversies involving Singapore celebrities more than ten years ago.
She reportedly discovered this after joining a group chat with others who claimed they had also lent him money.
Some of the alleged victims have reportedly avoided speaking publicly because they still hope to recover the money owed to them.
At present, the combined alleged debt has reportedly reached around S$500,000.
The Singapore Police Force confirmed investigations are ongoing.
Celebrities Previously Linked To Case
Back in 2013, media reports alleged that the former actor borrowed large amounts of money from entertainment figures, claiming he needed funds for tourism investments and medical expenses involving his mother.
Among the artistes reportedly linked to the earlier case were veteran actresses Zoe Tay, Hong Huifang, actor Wang Yuqing, and Hong Kong actress Michelle Yim.
Veteran actress Jin Yinji reportedly said she had previously lent him S$10,000, though the money was eventually returned.
Actor Wang Yuqing also reportedly said he spent months chasing repayment for loans amounting to between S$3,000 and S$5,000.
Couple Allegedly Took CPF Savings To Help Him
Another woman, identified as Huang, said she had known the man for decades and used to lend him smaller sums regularly, which he would repay.
Over time, however, Huang and her husband allegedly withdrew money from their CPF savings to help him financially.
The couple reportedly lent him around S$190,000 in total.
Although some repayments were allegedly made, Huang claimed the outstanding amount still owed to them stands at around S$136,000.
Another alleged victim claimed she paid S$15,000 for a tour that was eventually cancelled due to the man supposedly falling ill. She said she never received a refund and that the total amount owed to her had grown to around S$105,000 after additional loans.
Former Actor Reportedly Promised Repayment
Attempts by reporters to contact the man reportedly went unanswered after visits to his home and repeated calls.
However, he later allegedly contacted one of the complainants and said he was trying to recover money owed to him by another individual before repaying his debts.
The case has since reignited conversations online about financial scams, personal loans between acquaintances, and the risks of lending money without formal agreements, particularly in Singapore’s current economic climate where many residents remain cautious about savings, retirement funds, and CPF withdrawals.