3 M'sians face more severe punishment for parcel scam

Three Malaysian men who were charged by a District Court in connection with a parcel scam about two weeks ago, today faced charges that would result in more severe punishment if they were convicted, Channel NewsAsia reported.

Quoting Deputy Public Prosecutor Charis Low, the news portal said Hiu Sheng Fatt, Ooi Lun Xiang and Tee Jia Yong came to Singapore on July 14 this year to withdraw S$143,800 (S$1=RM2.99) – spoils of the scam – from Hui's UOB bank account.

The report said the prosecution then pressed for more serious charges against the trio, who were first charged on July 16 for dishonestly receivingstolen property.

The new charges, under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Series Crimes Act for handling the money – the benefits of criminal conduct – could see the trio jailed for up to 10 years and/or fined up to S$500,000 if they are found guilty.

The report said this was double the jail term for the men, all in their early 20s, would have to face had the prosecution not amended their charges.

Of the S$143,800 the trio had been accused of withdrawing from the UOB account, the prosecution believed at least S$121,900 had been taken out of the country, Low was quoted as saying.

In three months, from March to June this year, police received more than 3,000 calls and reports, of which 155 victims have lost more than S$12 million, said Low.

Channel NewsAsia said all three accused will next appear in court on Aug 4.

A fourth man charged in connection with the scam, 23-year-old Malaysian Moi Chee Hou, faces one count for dishonestly receiving stolen property.

He will next appear in court on Aug 31.