A 43-year-old man has been apprehended by the police in connection with a case of cheating by sleight of hand involving a high-value diamond ring. The incident occurred on 20 November 2023 at approximately 1:15 pm at a shop located within a popular shopping mall along Bayfront Avenue.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspect, on the pretext of purchasing a diamond ring valued at $318,000, engaged in an elaborate deception. Around 12:45 pm, the man purportedly held the genuine diamond ring in his left hand while diverting the attention of the store staff to other rings. During this diversion, the suspect allegedly executed a swift swap, replacing the authentic diamond ring with a replica using his right hand.

The discrepancy was noticed by an attentive staff member who observed that the price tag of the replica ring had a different texture. Promptly, the staff alerted the in-house security, who detained the suspect. Upon inspection, the authorities found the suspect in possession of the actual diamond ring, and the replica ring was seized as a case exhibit.

The case was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect at the scene. The 43-year-old man is expected to face charges in court on 22 November 2023 under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871 for the offence of cheating. If convicted, the suspect could face imprisonment for a term of up to ten years, in addition to a fine.

S’pore Police’s statement

MAN ARRESTED FOR CHEATING BY SLEIGHT OF HAND

The Police have arrested a 43-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a case of cheating by sleight of hand.  
 
On 20 November 2023 at about 1.15pm, the Police were alerted to a case of cheating at a shop within a shopping mall along Bayfront Avenue. Preliminary investigations revealed that at about 12.45pm, the man, on the pretext of purchasing a diamond ring valued at $318,000/-, allegedly held the ring in his left hand and diverted the staff’s attention to other rings. When the staff looked away, the man purportedly swapped a replica ring using his right hand with the diamond ring. 

The staff detected the discrepancy when she realised the price tag of the replica ring was of a different texture and alerted the in-house security. The man was detained and found in possession of the diamond ring. The matter was subsequently referred to the Police and he was arrested at the scene. The replica ring was seized as case exhibit. 

The man will be charged in court on 22 November 2023 with the offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and a fine.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
21 November 2023 @ 7:00 PM

In a surprising turn of events, Gilbert Oh Hin Kwan, a 44-year-old director-general at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), finds himself in legal trouble.

The charges brought against him are no trivial matter; they involve the alleged missing of diplomatic bags to send personal packages containing luxury watches and Panadols, according to TODAY.

Brief Overview of the Case

The case centers around Oh’s purported misuse of diplomatic bags to send personal packages containing Panadol and luxury watches. Such actions, if proven true, could have severe consequences not only for Oh but also for the reputation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic practices in general.

Before delving into the details of the allegations, it’s crucial to understand the significance of diplomatic bag services.

These bags play a pivotal role in maintaining the confidentiality and security of official correspondences and items exchanged between the MFA and its overseas offices.

Who is Gilbert Oh Hin Kwan?

Gilbert Oh, holding the position of director-general at the MFA, is presumed to be well-versed in diplomatic protocols and the gravity of the responsibilities that accompany his role.

While details about Oh’s background are limited, it’s essential to explore any potential motivations or circumstances that might have led to the alleged misuse of diplomatic channels for personal gain.

The Allegations

Oh faces three charges, two for cheating and one for providing false information to a public servant. The charges stem from his alleged actions between December 2022 and January 2023.

The charge sheets specify that Oh sent two packages through the diplomatic bag service, intended for personal acquaintances but addressed to MFA colleagues in China and Singapore. The misuse reportedly occurred on two separate occasions, adding complexity to the legal proceedings.

He also allegedly lied to the MFA deputy secretary about the owner of the package of the luxury watches, lying that the items belonged to his father.

Diplomatic Bag Service

Diplomatic bags are more than mere carriers; they are shielded by diplomatic immunity, ensuring that their contents remain confidential and secure. The inability to search, seize, or open these bags by customs emphasizes the trust placed in diplomatic processes.

Understanding the purpose and significance of diplomatic bags is crucial to grasp the severity of the alleged misuse. The breach of this system not only jeopardizes the confidentiality of official communications but also raises questions about the extent of such practices within the MFA.

The Legal Consequences

Gilbert Oh’s appearance in court on November 23 marked the initiation of legal proceedings against him. The court has indicated its readiness to proceed with two charges, with the third charge taken into consideration during sentencing.

The case is set to continue on December 21, offering Oh’s defense counsel, Harjeet Kaur Dhaliwal, an opportunity to address the court.

In response to the court’s readiness to proceed, Harjeet Kaur Dhaliwal, Oh’s defense counsel, expressed the need for a longer adjournment. This delay is attributed to the necessity of engaging with the Attorney-General’s Chambers to discuss critical matters pertaining to the case.

It was earlier reported that a car in Aljunied was smeared with poop and the man responsible had been arrested by the police.

The culprit, a 52-year-old man, had apparently targeted the wrong car and following the incident, has since apologised to the victim and said that he got the wrong person, according to Shin Min Daily News.

The Confession: Wrong Car, Wrong Person

Admitting to the act, Zhou revealed that he had mistakenly targeted the vehicle of a chicken seller instead of his intended neighbor.

In an interview with Shin Min Daily News on November 21, Zhou expressed remorse, stating that he was targeting his neighbour of many years who always caused trouble for him but didn’t dare to directly confront him, so he chose to smear poop on his car instead.

The white sedan, parked near Sims Vista Market & Food Centre, bore the brunt of Zhou’s frustration. Handwritten notes adorned the defaced vehicle, containing vulgar language and addressing a person surnamed Tan.

In a surprising turn of events, Zhou publicly apologized to the wronged victim, expressing regret for the mistaken identity. This unforeseen act of contrition adds a layer of complexity to an already perplexing situation.

Recap

The unsettling event unfolded with the discovery of prayer offerings on the car’s bonnet, featuring a huat kueh and an orange adorned with ribbons and incense sticks.

The Mandarin note left on the windshield, translating to “if you don’t want people to know what you did, then don’t do it at all” added an enigmatic layer to the incident.

Shin Min reporters, upon reaching the scene, were confronted with a nauseating scene – faecal stains adorned the front and rear windshields, windows, and door handles of the car. The noxious stench emanating from the stains heightened the disturbing nature of the incident, leaving the community perplexed and concerned.

Advertisements

The gravity of the situation prompted the presence of two police cars at the scene, with officers actively documenting and investigating the peculiar occurrence. The ongoing investigation seeks to unravel the motive behind the act and bring the perpetrator to justice.

Car Owner’s Reaction

The car, it was revealed, belonged to Wang, a chicken stall owner at the nearby market. Wang, shocked and angered, learned about the incident from a neighboring stall’s staff. Despite the disturbing nature of the act, she promptly called the police, emphasizing the need for swift intervention. Wang’s decision to resume her business and clean the car after market hours reflects her resilience and dedication to an honest living.

Beyond the faecal vandalism, the perpetrator is believed to have left abusive notes on nearby pillars, sparking speculation within the hawker community. Some suggest that the act might have been misdirected, with the suspect possibly targeting the wrong individual. This speculation raises questions about vendettas within the community and the potential consequences of such misunderstandings.

Further investigation revealed another car in the same car park, sharing similarities in model, color, and even a similar license plate number to Wang’s vehicle. The possibility of the perpetrator confusing the two cars adds a layer of complexity to the case, emphasizing the importance of precision in such acts.

In the glittering realm of casinos, where luck often dictates the flow of fortune, a tale unfolded that transcended traditional notions of chance. Tan Kian Yi, a 35-year-old Malaysian, found himself entangled in a high-stakes game that went beyond the usual ebb and flow of luck. This is the story of a foreign syndicate that ingeniously exploited a formula to record cards dealt, reaping a staggering total of S$433,730 (US$324,100) over eight days at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands casino in Singapore.

The Syndicate’s Genesis

1. The Fateful Encounter

Tan’s journey began with a chance meeting with Hung Yu-Wen and Chou Yu-Lun, a couple from Taiwan, in the Philippines. The couple recognized Tan’s interest in card counting, a skill acquired from a class on advantage play in Taipei back in 2019.

2. A Formula Takes Shape

Intrigued by Tan’s skills, Hung proposed a collaboration and revealed a formula developed by her mysterious “teacher.” This formula was designed to tilt the odds in the syndicate’s favor during baccarat games.

The Unveiling of the Formula

3. The Trip to Singapore

Tan and the couple embarked on a journey to Singapore in October 2022. Staying at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, they observed the 7UP Baccarat game, laying the groundwork for their ambitious plan.

4. The Excel Sheet Revelation

In a casino in Manila, Hung unveiled the formula, housed in an Excel sheet. Tan was entrusted with memorizing codes representing card values and suits. The process involved transmitting information on dealt cards to operate the formula, predicting the game’s outcomes.

The Syndicate’s Operation

5. Recruitment of Chai Hee Keong

Tan, keen to expand the syndicate, brought in his friend Chai Hee Keong. In a generous agreement, Hung promised both Tan and Chai 20% of the syndicate’s winnings.

6. Coordinated Roles

The syndicate, now in Singapore, meticulously assigned roles such as marksman, sorcerer, tank, and auxiliary. Tan played the dual roles of a marksman and a tank, actively participating in the execution of the formula.

7. Winning Streak

Over several days in December 2022, the syndicate executed their plan, accumulating substantial winnings. However, their success drew the attention of casino employees, prompting an investigation.

The Unraveling

8. Suspicion Arises

Between December 16 and December 23, 2022, casino employees grew suspicious and initiated a review of CCTV footage, marking the beginning of the end for the syndicate.

9. Lone Arrest

On December 24, 2022, one member was arrested at the casino. Fearing exposure, the remaining members, including Tan, decided to leave Singapore hastily.

10. Escape and Arrest

Tan and four others left via the Woodlands Checkpoint on December 25, 2022. However, the escape was short-lived, as Tan was arrested at the Kuala Lumpur airport on February 3, 2023, attempting to travel to Taiwan.

Here are what netizens think:

• So a casino can win and people cannot win? What logic is that? They didn’t cheat they just come up with a formula but then is a game of chance so why can’t he win?

• Just closed down casino. Casino can using formula to win punter and punter cannot using formula to win at casino ? What’s logic is this…

• I really don’t understand, they found a way, technically not an illegal way to beat the system, all you do is to make sure they lose and call police on people using excel… If like that also illegal, might as well ban excel.

• It’s a fair game. Who ever is smarter, should win.

• The Judge should throw the book at the prosecution and acquitted them all with costs. They win hands down fair and square, they had a wonderful system that beats the casino and has my respect!