15-11-2023, 09:25 PM
@heart of the broader case is a remote gambling operation based in the Philippines, which several of the accused are allegedly linked to and a scheme that generated proceeds from punters in China.
Despite a wanted notice issued by China in 2015 naming some of the accused, they managed to set up shop in Singapore, with some running alleged shell companies, from as early as 2019.
The illegal gambling proceeds are alleged to have been laundered in Singapore through luxury property purchases, jewellery, liquor, bags and watches. Some of the proceeds were also found in cash or stashed in safe deposit boxes.
Voluminous documents have been shared by both defence and prosecution in multiple full-day hearings, with investigation officers on the respective cases providing affidavits - or statements made on oath - on their accounts of the probe, and some of the accused giving their own affidavits to gain temporary freedom in the form of bail.
While bail has been denied across the board, whether in the State Courts or the High Court, the exchanges of documents have revealed nuggets of information about the accused even at this early stage of proceedings.
Not one of 10 has indicated in open court, they would be pleading guilty. In fact, at least one has indicated his intention to claim trial.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapor...it-3857886
Despite a wanted notice issued by China in 2015 naming some of the accused, they managed to set up shop in Singapore, with some running alleged shell companies, from as early as 2019.
The illegal gambling proceeds are alleged to have been laundered in Singapore through luxury property purchases, jewellery, liquor, bags and watches. Some of the proceeds were also found in cash or stashed in safe deposit boxes.
Voluminous documents have been shared by both defence and prosecution in multiple full-day hearings, with investigation officers on the respective cases providing affidavits - or statements made on oath - on their accounts of the probe, and some of the accused giving their own affidavits to gain temporary freedom in the form of bail.
While bail has been denied across the board, whether in the State Courts or the High Court, the exchanges of documents have revealed nuggets of information about the accused even at this early stage of proceedings.
Not one of 10 has indicated in open court, they would be pleading guilty. In fact, at least one has indicated his intention to claim trial.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapor...it-3857886