In a significant ruling on July 5, 2024, Tan Yong Ren was sentenced to four years and two weeks in prison and fined S$10,000 for his role in a high-profile S$3 billion money laundering case in Singapore. As a personal assistant to Su Haijin, one of the key figures in the case, Tan misappropriated a total of S$330,000 by encashing and depositing pre-signed cheques belonging to Su Haijin and Su Baolin, another individual linked to the scandal.

Tan’s criminal activities began in December 2017, when he exploited his position to fill in his own details on four cheques signed by Su Haijin. Over several months, he managed to embezzle S$100,000 from Yihao Cyber Technologies, a company owned by Su Haijin. Later, while assisting Su Baolin, he repeated the scheme, this time encashing seven more cheques and absconding with an additional S$230,000 from Xinbao Investment Holdings.

In a separate but related incident, Tan unlawfully withdrew S$107,300 using a debit card he had stolen from Su Baolin’s firm. The court noted that Tan had not made any restitution for the money he had taken from both Su Haijin and Su Baolin.

The sentencing highlights Singapore’s commitment to tackling financial crime, especially amid a backdrop of significant money laundering investigations. The case also reflects the ongoing efforts by authorities to strengthen anti-money laundering laws and regulations within the country.

Tan’s criminal activities extended beyond financial fraud. He was also found operating an illegal karaoke lounge during the COVID-19 pandemic and involved in other disturbances, including a physical altercation with a housemate. Following his sentencing, Tan was ordered to report to the State Courts on July 15 to begin serving his sentence.