A Shocking Breach of Trust

In a troubling case that has left many in Singapore astounded, a man was sentenced to 18 months and two weeks in prison for stealing S$54,000 (approximately US$42,000) from a bedridden friend. The perpetrator, 34-year-old Yu Mingyan, exploited the opportunity during hospital visits to transfer funds from his friend's Central Provident Fund (CPF) account into his own.

How the Deceit Unfolded

The victim, a 62-year-old woman, was incapacitated due to serious medical issues, rendering her unable to move or speak. Yu, a former colleague and a supposed friend, took advantage of their close relationship. During multiple visits to Gleneagles Hospital in June and July 2023, he cleverly guessed her phone and mobile application passwords to access her CPF.

Over three occasions, Yu made the shocking transactions: starting with S$30,000, followed by S$20,000, and finally S$4,000. His betrayal didn't stop there; when the victim's niece questioned him about the withdrawals, he falsely claimed ignorance.

A Desperate Attempt to Cover Up

In an elaborate twist, Yu even forged a police report, altering one that his mother had filed earlier to create an illusion of innocence. He sent this fabricated document to the victim's niece in a pathetic attempt to deflect suspicion, claiming to be a victim of the alleged scam as well.

Caught in a Web of Lies

Unfortunately for Yu, his web of lies unraveled. After becoming unreachable in January 2024 amid growing inquiries, the victim's niece finally reported the matter to the police in October 2024, leading to an investigation that revealed Yu's string of criminal activities.

While under investigation, it was discovered that Yu had also acquired a S$600 loan from a loan shark, which he failed to repay. Instead of meeting his obligations, he resorted to facilitating bank transfers for the lender, compromising even more integrity.

The Court's Verdict and Reaction

In court, District Judge Eddy Tham expressed outrage over Yu's actions, highlighting how deeply he betrayed a friend who required care. Yu was confronted about his inability to repay the stolen funds, rationalizing that his family's financial needs came first. Deputy Public Prosecutor Jeremy Bin emphasized that Yu's exploitation of his friend's vulnerability was both egregious and unforgivable.

A Stark Reminder of Betrayal

Ultimately, Judge Tham described the offense as 'highly egregious,' underlining that Yu prioritized his financial problems over the well-being of a close friend. He allowed Yu to defer his prison sentence briefly to settle personal matters before facing the consequences of his actions. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers surrounding trust and vulnerability, especially in relationships where one party is in a compromised position.