The accused persons in the $1 billion money laundering saga just attended their first court hearing.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
The $1 Billion Money Laundering Saga Thus Far
If you’ve yet to hear about the $1 billion money laundering saga, it’s okay.
It’s only the biggest money laundering case in Singapore’s history. Nothing much.
TLDR, ten foreigners were arrested for their suspected involvement in various crimes, including money laundering, forgery and resisting arrest.
The accused persons were charged last Wednesday (16 August). Since then, there have been multiple updates to the saga.
First, it was revealed that the accused persons may be more connected than you think—it goes as far as suspicions of them being part of a gang from Fujian.
No prizes for guessing the gang’s alleged name: the “Fujian Gang”.
It was also alleged that at least three accused persons had donated a few million dollars to various local organisations, including the Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution and the Sichuan Association (Singapore).
Anyway, to make sure you don’t sound like a suaku, you can watch this video to find out more about the saga:
On Wednesday (23 August), the accused persons in the $1 billion money laundering saga had their first court hearing.
Wah. First time for everything—hopefully, you’ll never have to go through such a first.
Regardless, trust us when we say you will want to hear what they had to say in court.
Su Baolin Requested for Bail Citing Heart Condition
One of the accused persons charged with forgery, Su Baolin, requested for bail to be granted by the court.
The 41-year-old had cited his heart condition as the reason for requesting bail—he was hospitalised at Changi Medical Centre (CMC) from 18 August to 20 August.
As his lawyer said, “The last thing we want is the accused person to get a heart attack in CMC while under investigations.”
Regardless, Su’s request was denied, meaning he’ll still be in remand until the investigations wrap up.
You might think: “Wah, poor thing sia. Heart condition still remanded”.
Well, the court thinks otherwise. In fact, it was agreed that the Cambodian national’s heart condition could be handled perfectly even in remand.
Yet, that’s far from the only reason for the court’s denial of Su’s request for bail.
As investigations are still ongoing, witnesses might need to be interviewed. If Su was granted bail, he could jolly well do whatever he wanted, including contaminating evidence or colluding with these witnesses.
More time is also needed to review the assets and documents seized from the 41-year-old and his wife.
So, too bad lor. At least the district judge won’t kena a heart condition knowing Su is out on bail (touch wood).
Wang Dehai Alleges Illegal Detention
Another one of the accused persons, Wang Dehai, alleged that he was being illegally detained.
The 34-year-old, charged with money laundering, denied his charge and claimed that he “ha[s] not done anything unlawful” in the past five years he has spent in our little red dot.
Well, that’s for the court to decide lah… But sure, you do you, I guess.
Su Haijin Requests for Arrangements to be Made to Undergo Surgical Operation
And now, for probably the most well-known foreigner currently in Singapore—Su Haijin.
Yes, Su Haijin, the man who apparently jumped off his balcony, fracturing his hands and legs, when officers turned up at his door. He copped himself one charge of resisting arrest for that.
The 40-year-old is currently hospitalised at Changi General Hospital.
Bringing a whole new meaning to “You can run, but you cannot hide”.
In court, he requested whether arrangements could be made for him to undergo a surgical operation for the fractures to his heels, femur and wrists.
Permission was granted for Su to consult with his lawyer and the hospital on this.
Small wins, I guess. Su also managed to wave to his family through his lawyer’s laptop while in court.
Another one of the accused persons, Chen Qingyuan, requested to have a phone call with his wife.
Unfortunately, the 33-year-old’s request was also denied.
The reason? He had $10 million worth of assets seized, including three luxury cars and one property that he is banned from selling. While authorities continue tracing the source of funds for these assets, Chen will not be allowed to speak to his wife—you never know if he may be speaking to her about dissipating these assets.
Better to play it safe.
Moving on, we have Su Wenqiang. He requested an earlier date for his next court hearing.
Wah. In a rush to go where? Rushing to go jiak kali png ah? (we’re kidding)
You’ll see a common theme here: rejection.
Su’s request was also denied by the court, reason being the prosecution was still gathering evidence.
How to have a hearing when you don’t even have evidence? It’s like going to class without your laptop.
And now, we have the Bonnie & Clyde of the group—Lin Baoying and Zhang Ruijin, who had nearly $200 million worth of assets seized from them.
Not much happened at their first court hearing; perhaps that’s the power of love…
Disney needs to get in on this. Or Jack Neo too, if he’s interested.
When the pair was charged last week, our budget Clyde told the court: “You can separate her crimes from me, we are just lovers… You can bail me out, but remand her.”
The six accused persons who attended court this morning will return for their second hearing on 30 August.