In a peculiar case involving cross-border deception, a 58-year-old Singaporean man, Andrew Lu Eng Leong, was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail for utilizing a fake Malaysian passport to re-enter Singapore, according to TODAY.
The sentencing took place on December 29 after Lu pleaded guilty to charges related to the Immigration Act. This incident sheds light on the complexities of identity fraud and border control measures.
Background of the Case
Andrew Lu Eng Leong’s journey into deception began in 1991 when he left Singapore for Malaysia, believing he was wanted by the police for involvement in a gang fight. His Singapore passport expired later that year, prompting him to adopt a false identity.
Between 2000 and 2004, Lu obtained a fraudulent Malaysian identity card under the name “Low Kheng Nyok” through a Malaysian contact, paying a substantial fee for this false identity. A year later, he secured a Malaysian passport with his photograph and fabricated particulars, all in an attempt to travel back to Singapore incognito.
Deception Unveiled
In 2008 and 2009, Lu successfully entered Singapore using the fake Malaysian passport, exploiting loopholes in the border control system. He presented the fraudulent document to immigration officers at Changi Airport, receiving a 30-day visit pass on both occasions. The immigration officers, unaware of the deception, allowed him to enter and exit the country using the false identity.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) began investigating Lu on June 28, 2023, identifying him as a person using multiple identities. He was subsequently arrested on June 27, 2024, after the completion of the investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Lu faced multiple charges under the Immigration Act, including failure to present a Singapore passport, producing a misleading document, and making a false statement to obtain a visit pass. The court took into consideration four additional similar charges during sentencing.
Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Izzat from ICA sought a jail term between 20 and 22 weeks, emphasizing Lu’s intentional circumvention of Singapore’s border control using a fake Malaysian passport. District Judge Paul Chan concurred, highlighting the importance of deterrence in sentencing. He emphasized that the case had implications for national security and Singapore’s ability to police its borders.
The charges Lu faced carry penalties under Singaporean law. Producing a false document can result in jail for up to two years or a fine of up to S$6,000, or both. Making a false statement to obtain a visit pass may lead to imprisonment for up to 12 months or a fine of S$4,000, or both. Failure to present a Singapore passport before entry could result in a jail term of up to six months or a fine of S$1,000, or both.