SINGAPORE - In a startling development, a Singaporean man and three foreign nationals have been charged with cheating after allegedly conspiring to deceive a landlord in a high-profile property rental scandal. The incident took place at a landed property on Victoria Park Road near Coronation Road.

On March 31, authorities confirmed that 35-year-old Wu Pengfei had signed a tenancy agreement on or around March 14, 2024, purportedly for the rented house. However, police investigations revealed that Wu and his accomplices—Malaysian Koh Hui Ming (35), Chinese national Su Zhentan (40), and Cambodian national Su Wenhui (44)—misrepresented the use of the property, claiming it would be utilized for residential purposes instead of its true function as a private recreation club.

Notably, Wu Guojing, who was allegedly involved in the operation, was not charged. Curiously, details concerning his role and the club's activities remain undisclosed.

The charges against Su Wenhui are particularly serious, with three counts leveled against him, comprising cheating, working without a valid work pass, and illegally transferring over $22,000 in various currencies out of Singapore—exceeding the legal limit of $20,000 without proper reporting.

Each of the defendants faces multiple charges. Wu and Koh were charged with cheating, while Koh also faces allegations of benefiting from criminal activities. Su Zhentan, similarly, has been accused of cheating and working illegally at the club.

This contentious case comes on the heels of a much larger police operation that took place on May 18, 2024, when authorities arrested 11 individuals linked to the scandal. During this operation, police confiscated an impressive haul, including over $88,000 in cash and two luxury vehicles worth more than $1 million.

The remaining suspects—comprising two Singaporeans, four Chinese nationals on work permits, and another Cambodian national—are under investigation for violations of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act and the Gambling Control Act.

Interestingly, Su Wenhui was previously reported at Changi Airport on August 17, 2023, revealing a pattern of unusual financial behavior. His cohorts, employed at the illegal club, were allegedly working without the required permits, with Su Wenhui reportedly serving as a manager and Su Zhentan as a chef.

In a twist, it has also emerged that Koh was implicated in using approximately $26,000 of criminally obtained benefits to secure a deposit on a condominium in Pasir Ris Grove on August 5, 2024.

The cases against the accused individuals have been adjourned and are set to resume on April 28, as authorities continue to scrutinize this intricate web of deceit in Singapore's property market. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding scandal!