A Myanmar domestic worker in Singapore exploited her elderly employer’s trust to steal cash and gold jewellery, funding her gambling addiction. The 42-year-old helper, identified as Zaw Zaw Min, withdrew a total of S$86,000 from her employer’s bank account across 43 transactions between December 2024 and July 2025.
In addition to the cash withdrawals, she also took jewellery valued at S$20,368 between January and June 2025, pawning the items for extra money. Zaw faced charges of criminal breach of trust and theft and was sentenced to a year and eight months in prison, according to Shin Min Daily News on January 17.
Access to Employer’s Debit Card
Court documents reveal that Zaw Zaw Min had been entrusted with her employer’s sole debit card since May 2024. The employer had instructed her to withdraw S$2,000 monthly for grocery expenses and occasional trips to Johor.
Zaw was aware that the employer kept gold jewellery unlocked in a drawer and rarely wore it. She would take one piece at a time to avoid detection. During this period, she earned a monthly salary of roughly S$700 to S$800, with an advance of S$10,000 agreed upon at one point in 2024.
How the Theft Was Discovered
To cover her tracks, Zaw would take cash while the employer slept and delete banking notifications from his phone. However, one notification was left undeleted, raising suspicion. Her employer confronted her, and she promised not to steal again but continued her actions.
The case came to light when a friend of the employer discovered the thefts. On July 11, 2025, the friend alerted the police and found Zaw with her passport and luggage in the lift lobby. Officers recovered S$2,000 in cash on her person, which she admitted taking.
Remorse and Gambling Addiction
During the investigation, Zaw Zaw Min expressed remorse and apologised to her employer. She admitted that her gambling addiction drove her repeated thefts. While much of the money was used for gambling, she reportedly gave some to her family.
This case highlights the vulnerabilities elderly employers may face when entrusting domestic helpers with financial responsibilities. Experts stress the importance of monitoring financial access and limiting full control over accounts to reduce the risk of exploitation.