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SINGAPORE: A man who will be charged with money laundering offenses linked to a S $ 10.2 million COVID-19 scam did not appear in court on Wednesday (February 24) because he developed a fever and had to undergo a blood test. hyssop.
Thye Wee Boon, 40, was supposed to face 19 charges in court Wednesday morning. These are primarily to convert or transfer criminal property from the jurisdiction, acquire or use criminal proceeds, and move cash that exceeds a permitted limit outside of Singapore.
However, Thye was nowhere to be seen. His lawyer, Mr. Thong Chee Kun from Rajah & Tann, addressed the court and said, “This morning I got an update from him, he said his temperature was above 38 degrees. He went to Changi General Hospital and told him about it. they gave an MC for these symptoms: Fever and sore throat, and a swab test is required. “
He received notification of the charges from the Police Department of Business Affairs the night before.
Thong said his client’s medical certificate was valid from Wednesday to Friday, adding that he had asked Thye’s surety to stay outside the court building in case he was exposed, as he was with Thye the day before. effects of the bond.
The judge postponed the case until March 3.
According to the police, they investigated Thye for his alleged involvement in money laundering crimes linked to a COVID-19 scam.
The police were alerted in March of last year about the case of a foreign pharmaceutical company that was defrauded by 6.6 million euros (S $ 10.2 million) for the purchase of surgical masks and hand sanitizers.
After the company transferred the money to a local bank, the items were not delivered and they were unable to reach the supplier.
CAD officers identified Thye as the man who allegedly received the money and arrested him on March 25, 2020. Subsequent investigations suggested that he likely knew the money was part of the criminal proceeds and used, transferred and transferred some of the cash from the country.
The crime of money laundering under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Profits) Act carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $ 500,000.
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