More information has come to light over the case of Audrey Fang’s murder.
To jog everyone’s memory, Ms Fang was reported missing in Spain after being uncontactable since 10 April 2024.
The 39-year-old’s body was later found in a lorry park by a man going for breakfast, with over 30 stab wounds.
Six months before her murder, she had allegedly deposited nearly S$200,000 into her CPF and nominated a beneficiary – who is now being held in custody as her alleged killer.
A Note was Found on Her iPad Naming Him the Recipient of Her CPF
When a court in Spain heard that the suspect, Mitchell Ong, stood to benefit from her savings, information about this CPF nomination was revealed.
An iPad found in her room with her belongings was found containing a note declaring the decision to name a “long-time friend and trusted confidant” as the recipient of her CPF savings in the event of her passing.
The note also added that the beneficiary would receive a “friendly loan of US$50,000”, which amounts to approximately S$68,000.
Upon finding this note, the Spanish police raised suspicions about an economic motive for the murder.
Fortunately, Ms Fang’s brother, Mr Benjamin Fang, was assured by the CPF board that the distribution of Ms Fang’s savings would be withheld until the case concludes and that Ong would not be entitled to her savings should he be convicted.
Her Family had Never Heard of Ong
Mr Fang shared that they had never heard of Ong once before, despite their family being close.
Ong is the insurance agent who previously sold Ms Fang two investment-linked policies and Ms Fang had shared with her family that her insurance agent was investing her CPF for her, although she never mentioned him by name.
While the two attended university at the National University of Singapore at around the same time, it is not otherwise clear how the pair became acquainted.
According to the CPF board, many policies dictate what happens to one’s CPF savings when they pass.
The process primarily depends on whether or not the deceased had made a valid CPF nomination.
If no nomination was made, their savings will be forwarded to the Public Trustee Office for distribution in line with Singapore’s intestacy laws, which ensure the equal distribution of assets amongst beneficiaries.
In this case, a spokesperson speaking to The Straits Times said that an investigation is conducted when any facts or circumstances affect the validity of a CPF nomination.
He also shared that for such nominations that are contested posthumously, the CPF Board will withhold any distributions until investigations are concluded.
One can only imagine how horrific this is for Ms Fang’s family and hopefully, they will be able to get some closure soon.