Introduction

In a startling revelation, two men have been charged with defrauding the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), a notable charity aimed at offering psycho-social support to breast cancer patients and their caregivers.

The Accused

The accused, Victor Ho Sheng Liang, 35, and Dennis Tan Wei Loon, 40, allegedly colluded to mislead BCF by submitting fake testimonials associated with an interior design firm called Step Dezign.

Details of the Fraud

The fraudulent activities reportedly date back to May 2021, when Ho and Tan joined forces with two accomplices, Terry Ang Tian Kiat and Gerald Ang Tian Jun, to orchestrate this elaborate scam.

The quartet misrepresented the quality of work done by Step Dezign, providing BCF with false endorsements linked to projects supposedly completed for other companies, Helios Distribution and Jarbarlar.

Impact on the Charity

This deceitful endeavor led BCF, under the illusion of legitimacy, to award Step Dezign a lucrative tender amounting to nearly $170,000.

Allegations have sparked outrage, especially as the charity’s funds are intended to support those grappling with the tough realities of breast cancer.

Legal Proceedings

Court records reveal that Ho and Tan each face charges of cheating as of January 23. The case will be revisited in court on February 20, where the legal consequences for their actions will be further assessed.

Under Singapore law, those convicted of cheating can face imprisonment of up to 10 years and hefty fines, a potential fate awaiting the accused.

Concerns Raised

While the identities and affiliations of Ho, Tan, Ang, and Ang to BCF and the two other companies remain unclear, this incident raises serious questions about the integrity and verification processes within charitable organizations.

As investigations continue, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in philanthropic undertakings to protect the vulnerable.