Hu Zhihao (age 28), was a former regular of the Navy at the time of the incident. He faced a charge of impersonation of a government officer and 3 theft charges. He was sentenced to 15 months jail. His 2 accomplices were charged as well, Chen Shifeng (31 years old) and his cousin Liu Yigang (27 years old). Chen and Liu were sentenced to 30 months and 14.5 months jail respectively
The incident happened on June 23, 2018, at an apartment along Balestier Road. They contacted a PRC woman, Liang Shiyue, who advertised her illegal massage and sexual services online. They then conspired to impersonate the police to raid the apartment.
To make it realistic, Chen suggested bringing a notebook, transparent ziplock bag and, while Liu suggested bringing a video recorder. Chen also suggested that the defendant and Liu purchase a mobile phone SIM card registered by others so as to prevent the disclosure of their true identities.
Chen made an appointment with Liang Shiyue using the purchased Sim card. The three arrived in a car at 11:40 late at night. Chen entered the house first to ensure that there were no others inside and he then proceeded to let his other accomplices into the house. The three claimed to be police officers and took out their navy ID cards to pretend to be police IDs. The defendant held a video recorder and pretended to film the assault.
They robbed Liang of $15,0000 in cash and a mobile phone worth $600 before splitting the cash equally. Liang called the police the next morning. The police managed to track the Liu through the SIM card registration name and CCTV. His accomplices were subsequently arrested.
Another charge of stealing $9,700 from Vietnamese dancers at a karaoke outlet will be taken into consideration.