On 15 August 2023, the Police conducted a large scale, island-wide raid in relation to its investigations into a group of foreign nationals suspected of laundering the proceeds of their overseas organised crime activities into Singapore. 10 foreign nationals were arrested during this raid, including Su Haijin, a 41-year-old Cypriot national.
Su Haijin was charged with the following offences:
- One count of resistance to lawful apprehension under Section 225B of the Penal Code 1871 (“the Penal Code”);
- Three counts of money laundering offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (“CDSA”);
- Three counts of conspiring with one Wang Junjie for the use of forged documents under Section 471 read with Section 109 of the Penal Code;
- Four counts of conspiring with one Wang Junjie to make false representations under Section 424A read with Section 109 of the Penal Code; and
- Three counts of false declaration under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990.
On 4 April 2024, Su Haijin was convicted and sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment for one count of resistance to lawful apprehension under Section 225B of the Penal Code and two counts of money laundering under Section 55 of the CDSA. The rest of his charges were taken into consideration for sentencing.
The State Court has also ordered the forfeiture of more than S$165 million (or about 95 per cent) of the assets that were seized from Su Haijin, his wife and his companies.
Any person who is convicted for an offence under Section 225B of the Penal Code may be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both. Any person who is convicted for an offence under Section 55 of the CDSA may be punished with a fine not exceeding S$150,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.
Background of the case
During the Police raid on 15 August 2023, Su Haijin had jumped from the balcony of his master bedroom on the second floor and was subsequently found to be hiding in a drain near his house in a bid to escape from the Police. He was placed under arrest by the Police on the same day.
At the time of arrest, Su Haijin was found in possession of cash and other assets which were suspected to be benefits from his criminal conduct. The Police seized and prohibited disposal of or dealing with about S$174 million worth of assets, consisting of cash, properties, jewelleries, luxury items and alcohol from Su Haijin, his wife and his companies.
Investigations revealed that Su Haijin was involved in unlawful remote gambling activities abroad. The charges against Su Haijin mainly concern Yihao Cyber Technologies Pte Ltd ("Yihao Cyber Technologies”), a Singapore incorporated company owned by Su Haijin. Between January and October 2021, Yihao Cyber Technologies had received payments from an overseas company which was involved in remote gambling operations targeting foreign nationals, and which derived revenue from such operations. These payments formed part of the monies that were held respectively in Yihao Cyber Technologies’ bank accounts with UOB and DBS bank, amounting to S$999,920.00 and S$438,947.20 respectively. Despite being the director and sole shareholder of Yihao Cyber Technologies, Su Haijin was unable to account satisfactorily that these sums received in the company’s bank accounts were from legitimate sources. Investigations showed that the company did not have any legitimate business operations in Singapore.
Director CAD, Mr David Chew said, “Our swift and firm law enforcement efforts in such complex investigations show our commitment to tackle transnational crime in an increasingly interconnected world. Reputable financial systems trade on its integrity. To protect Singapore’s financial system, the Police will spare no effort to detect abuse, detain the criminals and deprive them of their ill-gotten gains. Criminals will seek to abuse our financial system by creating complex corporate structures to receive their criminal proceeds from overseas, launder it and enjoy it here with their families. The Police will take tough and decisive action to afford these criminals no safe harbour for either themselves or their wealth. Asset confiscation is a key priority in Singapore and beyond seeking imprisonment terms for their crimes, we will take all steps within our laws to deprive criminals of their proceeds of crime.”
One of the accused persons arrested during the same raid, Su Wenqiang, a 32-year-old Cambodian national, was convicted and sentenced for money laundering offences earlier this week. Court proceedings on the other 8 accused persons related to the case are ongoing.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
04 April 2024 @ 4:45 PM