A 40-year-old Singaporean doctor has pleaded guilty to a series of violent offences against his former partner, including unlawful restraint, assault, and threats involving intimate images. The shocking case has brought renewed attention to domestic violence and abuse in relationships involving individuals of influence.
Violent Confrontation Stemmed from Relationship Breakdown
The accused, Dr Chua Cheng Yu, is the founder of Veritas Medical Aesthetics. He first met the victim, a 33-year-old woman, in January 2021 when she began working at his clinic. The pair entered into a romantic relationship in 2022, which reportedly deteriorated over time due to persistent disagreements.
In mid-March 2023, the woman resigned amid growing tensions. Just weeks later, on 1 April, Dr Chua forcefully entered her home and began damaging her belongings in a fit of rage, allegedly driven by suspicions of infidelity. He seized her laptop and hairdryer and pushed her against a wall, causing a head injury. The following days saw multiple uninvited visits, during which he took additional items such as her mobile phone and condominium gate remote.
On 5 April, after police intervention, the doctor returned the items. However, the abuse continued.
Threats to Leak Intimate Images Escalate Abuse
On 24 May 2023, the doctor picked up the woman after dinner and drove her home. When she rejected his suggestion of storing belongings at each other’s homes, he allegedly began bombarding her with messages and calls, including threats to leak her private photos using a chat feature on a mobile gaming app.
The psychological toll on the woman was compounded by fear of humiliation and public exposure—tactics increasingly reported in technology-facilitated abuse cases.
Attempted Abduction Captured on Camera
A particularly harrowing incident took place on 10 September 2023. After multiple ignored calls to her workplace, Dr Chua confronted the woman outside her office and pleaded with her to enter his car. When she refused, he dragged her in against her will. Dashcam footage captured her attempting to escape at a red light, but she was restrained.
While en route to her home, the victim used the excuse of needing to feed her cats in a bid to de-escalate the situation. Inside the vehicle, Chua took her phone and demanded access, which she denied. Taking advantage of a moment when he was distracted, she escaped through a car window and ran toward her condominium. However, he chased her down, dragged her on the ground, and attempted to force her back into the car.
Fortunately, a security guard and neighbour heard her screams and intervened. She managed to flee, and Chua left the scene with her belongings.
Medical reports later confirmed the victim suffered from bruises, abrasions, a fractured sternum, and a mild head injury.
Arrest and Pending Sentencing
Dr Chua was eventually arrested on 2 March 2024 at a hotel in Novena. While he has been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, court proceedings confirmed he was of sound mind during the offences.
The court has found him guilty of four charges: use of criminal force, intentional harassment, causing hurt, and unlawful restraint. His sentencing is scheduled for 1 October 2025.
A Wake-Up Call for the Community
This disturbing case underscores the urgency of addressing domestic violence, even in high-income professions where it often goes unnoticed. It also highlights growing concerns over mental health support, as well as the misuse of technology in abuse.
Organisations such as AWARE Singapore continue to advocate for better safeguards for victims, urging the public to speak up against abusive behaviour regardless of social status.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or threats, help is available through organisations like the National Anti-Violence Helpline at 1800-777-0000.
Image Source: Court Documents and Veritas