In a shocking turn of events, 62-year-old Ong Maie Ling, was charged in court on Thursday (5 October) with 4 counts of cheating, for allegedly cheating a man suffering from cancer of more than $24,000, according to The Straits Times.
Ong reportedly owned multiple companies, including Bioliving Technologies & Therapy, The M.R. Laboratories & Therapy, and 3H Employment Agency, allegedly cheated the man back in 2020.
These charges come after she allegedly swindled the cancer-stricken man out of more than $24,000 by offering him false promises of medical assistance.
The Allegations Unveiled
The victim’s identity and current health condition remain undisclosed in court documents, but it is known that he had been diagnosed with cancer in the duodenum.
The series of alleged fraudulent activities began on February 17, 2020, when Ong allegedly convinced the man to part with $5,500 under the pretense of assisting him in acquiring three crucial injection shots for his cancer treatment.
Not stopping at this initial deceit, Ong is said to have convinced the man to hand over an additional $10,000 in cash the same day. She allegedly claimed that this money was needed to arrange for local laboratory testing, further manipulating the victim by asserting that the laboratory only US dollars.
Unbeknownst to the victim, Ong’s deception continued. She allegedly managed to cheat him of an additional $4,553.66 from him on the same day, leaving him increasingly vulnerable and financially drained.
Escalating Deception
In the following month, Ong took her fraudulent schemes a step further. She informed the victim that a “medical specialist in the United States” required him to make two purchases of iPhones in order for them to conduct an “analysis” for him.
Falling prey to her deceit once again, the victim parted with $4,200 on March 17, 2020, believing that this expenditure was necessary for his treatment.
Legal Consequences
Ong Maie Ling’s alleged actions have not gone unnoticed, and she now faces four charges of cheating.
Under Singaporean law, each count of cheating carries the potential for a sentence of up to 10 years in jail and a significant fine. The court has adjourned her case to November 2, where the legal system will decide her fate.