The pair are the first in the syndicate to be dealt with by the court. - Photo: ST
SINGAPORE: Two men who were part of a syndicate that fraudulently signed tenancy agreements to house prostitutes have been sentenced on Wednesday (June 18).
Lim Shi Wei, 36, was sentenced to six months’ jail after pleading guilty to two counts of cheating.
Lee Teck Li, 44, was sentenced to three months’ jail after pleading guilty to one count of cheating.
The court heard that through his acquaintances, Lim had come to be introduced to a group of men running a prostitution ring in October 2023.
He then entered into an arrangement with the group to help them source for residential units, which would then be used to house women who provided massage services.
He admitted to eventually finding out that the units were to be used to house prostitutes and used as brothels.
Between March 2024 and April 2025, Lim helped to source for four residential units and engaged people to help sign the tenancy agreements.
He then handed over the four units to men running the prostitution ring, earning between $30,000 and $40,000 for his work.
Meanwhile, the prosecution said Lee had received a call from a man only known as “Peter” sometime in 2022, asking if he wanted to make some money.
As Lee was in debt due to his gambling habits, he decided to explore Peter’s offer – which was to act as a fraudulent tenant by signing a tenancy agreement for a residential unit and handing over control of the unit to Peter.
Lee was given $500 after signing the agreement in April 2022 and handing the unit over to Peter.
Investigations revealed the unit was then used as a brothel providing sexual services, and to house prostitutes.
Lee signed renewals for the lease in April 2023 and 2024, and was paid $500 for each renewal.
The pair are the first in the syndicate to be dealt with by the court.
The prosecution revealed that the cases of at least two other co-accused in the same syndicate are still before the court, while another two accused are still on the run.
For each count of cheating, an offender can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined. - The Straits Times/ANN
