In a significant development in the ongoing S$2.8 billion money-laundering case, Su Wenqiang, one of the ten suspects arrested during a nationwide anti-money laundering operation, claims that his involvement in a remote gambling service in the Philippines was sanctioned by local authorities. At a court hearing on November 2, Su’s defense attorney, Sameer Amir Melber, asserted that all gambling activities were authorized by the Philippine government.

Su, a 31-year-old Cambodian national, faces two counts of money laundering, including possession of S$601,706 in cash, alleged to be proceeds of criminal conduct, and a separate charge for allegedly using S$500,000 of criminal benefits to purchase a Mercedes-Benz. He has been in remand since his arrest on August 15.

During the bail hearing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Edwin Soh argued against Su’s release, highlighting that he is wanted by Chinese authorities for suspected involvement in significant criminal activity and was actively evading law enforcement. Soh presented evidence suggesting that Su possesses multiple passports from China and Vanuatu, which raises concerns about his ability to flee the country.

Furthermore, Su is connected to four individuals who are currently outside Singapore, prompting concerns about potential collusion and escape. In contrast, Su’s defense contended that these individuals were not in Singapore at the time of the raid and were not attempting to evade arrest.

A senior investigation officer from the Singapore Police Force, Francis Lim, stated that evidence from seized mobile phones revealed communications about the operation of remote gambling websites and the movement of funds. Su had reportedly admitted to knowing his actions were illegal, corroborating the charges against him.

Despite Su’s claims of authorization for the gambling services, the prosecution criticized his lack of evidence, noting that he did not produce a license during investigations. The judge, District Judge Brenda Tan, denied the bail request, labeling Su a high flight risk due to his multiple passports and significant assets in China. She expressed concerns about his ties to Singapore, stating he has lived in the country only since 2021.

Su is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial conference on December 14, as investigations into the case continue, with the possibility of additional charges being filed under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.