Latest news with #LeeYiWei
BBC News
12 hours ago
- BBC News
Man jailed for stealing $40,000 from wedding reception in Singapore
Joy turned to shock for a newlywed couple in Singapore when a thief took off with nearly S$50,000 ($39,083; £28,705) worth of red envelopes from their wedding reception. The culprit Lee Yi Wei, who later gambled the money away, was on Tuesday sentenced to a year in jail and ordered to compensate the couple. His jail term will be extended by 100 days if he is unable to pay the money back. The 36-year-old used to serve tables at the hotel in which the wedding was held and was familiar with its layout, a Singapore court many Asian cultures, wedding guests typically do not give gifts but rathergive money, typically in red envelopes, to newlyweds as a sign of good luck. These red envelopes are usually slotted into large boxes that are placed at a clearly demarcated table that guests will pass by before entering the wedding hall. Lee, who was not a guest invited to the wedding on the 5 April, had made off with two such boxes while they were unattended. Upon realising the boxes were missing, the wedding organiser made a police report. The court heard that Lee swiftly spent a few hundred dollars on clothing and gambled away S$12,200 in just four hours, the court then converted most of his loot into online gambling credits and placed 195 bets with those credits within three days. By the time he was arrested on 7 April, police managed to seize just S$3,000 from Singapore, the practice of gifting red envelopes to newlyweds, which started out as a gesture of goodwill, have in recent years been shaped by unspoken rules such as how much to give, with some newlyweds seeing red envelopes as a way of helping them recover their wedding expenses. Online guides, which provide information on how much to give depending on where and when the event is held, are published and updated annually. In many Asian cultures, red envelopes are also given out to children or younger unmarried relatives during the Lunar New Year.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Admiralty crash victim was family's sole breadwinner; Gambler jailed for stealing nearly $50k in wedding red packets: Singapore live news
Chan Yong Kang, a 30-year-old Malaysian single father, died in a tragic crash on Admiralty Road while returning home from work in Singapore. He had worked two jobs – one as an electrician in Singapore and another as a food delivery rider in Johor Bahru – to support his five-year-old daughter and fund his divorce. Despite his demanding schedule, he visited his daughter every weekend. His family described him as hardworking, cautious, and deeply devoted. They now hope to gain custody of the child and raise her together in his memory. A 36-year-old Singaporean man has been jailed for 12 months after stealing nearly $50,000 in red packets from a wedding reception at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach. The thief, Lee Yi Wei, used his knowledge of the venue to snatch two money boxes and later gambled away most of the cash. He placed nearly 200 bets online and lost thousands more at a Singapore Pools outlet. Only $3,000 was recovered. The court called the theft premeditated and ordered Lee to repay the stolen amount or serve an additional 100 days in jail. More on the gambler's theft that didn't pay off here. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. A Singaporean man who stole nearly $50,000 in red packets from a wedding reception has been jailed for 12 months. The theft took place at the JW Marriott Hotel on 5 April, where Lee Yi Wei, 36, used his insider knowledge as a former banquet server to strike when the gift table was briefly unattended. Lee made off with two money boxes and quickly hid the cash in a locker at the National Library. He then bought new clothes, changed his appearance, and returned to retrieve the rest of the money. He deposited $36,331 into a bank account and converted it into gambling credits, placing nearly 200 bets online. He also lost $12,200 at a Singapore Pools outlet the same evening. Lee, who acted alone, was arrested two days later with only $3,000 left. The judge called his actions calculated and noted his previous jail term for breach of trust. He must repay the stolen sum or face an additional 100 days behind bars. Read on Singaporean man sentenced for wedding red packet theft here. Chan Yong Kang, a 30-year-old Malaysian single father who worked two jobs, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash along Admiralty Road on 20 June. He was riding home to Johor Bahru after work when he collided with a lorry and was run over by a garbage truck. Chan had worked as an electrician in Singapore for 11 years and took on food delivery jobs in Johor after hours to support his five-year-old daughter and fund his divorce proceedings. He left home at 4am daily and returned by 7pm, only to repeat the cycle the next day. Despite his gruelling schedule, Chan made time every weekend to visit his daughter in Batu Pahat. His siblings described him as a cautious rider and a devoted father who lived simply but gave generously. The accident occurred just after he left his workplace. His brother, who worked with him, said Chan was not speeding and blamed sudden braking by a lorry ahead. Chan's family now hopes to gain custody of his daughter, pledging to raise her together in his memory. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has urged societies to rethink how they approach multiculturalism, warning that superficial integration risks falling apart under pressure. Speaking at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025, he said multicultural societies should resemble batik, where diverse threads are interwoven into a single, resilient fabric. In contrast, he cautioned against the 'patchwork quilt' model, where cultural groups remain separate and loosely stitched together. 'In times of stress, the stitches weaken and the quilt is easily forced apart,' he said. Tharman noted that enthusiasm for multiculturalism is waning globally, with rising political polarisation and a retreat from moderate values. He stressed that shared values and a belief in a common future must be actively cultivated. The ICCS, attended by over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, aims to foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Batik attire was the dress code, fitting for the metaphor. Read on Tharman's call for cohesion here. Singapore is grappling with a sharp rise in youth radicalisation, with 17 individuals aged 20 and below dealt with under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the past decade, with two-thirds of them in just the last five years. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim called the trend a 'pressing security concern' during the Religious Rehabilitation Group's (RRG) annual retreat. He warned that digital echo chambers and extremist content are accelerating radicalisation among youth still forming their identities. Recent cases underscore the urgency. A 17-year-old boy, radicalised by far-right ideologies, planned to shoot worshippers at local mosques using a 3D-printed gun. A 15-year-old girl, inspired by ISIS propaganda, pledged allegiance to the group and sought to marry a fighter in Syria. Authorities say both teens were self-radicalised online and acted alone. The girl is the first female youth to be issued a restriction order under the ISA. The government is ramping up outreach, urging families and schools to report early signs of radicalisation. Read on Singapore's rising youth radicalisation here. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has launched its Draft Master Plan 2025, a sweeping blueprint that will guide land use and development over the next 10 to 15 years. At its core: at least 80,000 new public and private homes across more than 10 areas, including Newton, Orchard, Dover, Kranji, and Defu. The plan is anchored by four themes: Shaping a Happy Healthy City, Enabling Sustainable Growth, Strengthening Urban Resilience, and Stewarding Nature and Heritage. These principles translate into walkable neighbourhoods, mixed-use hubs, and green corridors that connect people to parks, jobs, and each other. Highlights include a new 'urban village' in Newton with 5,000 homes, a mixed-use hub above Orchard MRT with 1,000 residences, and a waterfront estate in Kranji with 14,000 homes. Dover-Medway and Mediapolis will add another 11,000 homes near one-north. Beyond housing, the plan introduces three integrated community hubs in Sengkang, Woodlands North, and Yio Chu Kang, plus new parks in Kranji and conservation efforts for over 30 heritage buildings. The plan also introduces identity corridors and nodes to preserve local character, including Monk's Hill and Siglap. More than 30 buildings, including the NatSteel Pavilion and Pasir Panjang English School, are proposed for conservation. With a focus on sustainability, resilience, and heritage, the plan invites Singaporeans to co-create a city that thrives for generations. Read on Singapore's plan to add 80,000 new homes here. A Singapore study has uncovered a troubling trend: those who were physically disciplined as children are more likely to repeat the cycle with their own kids. The research, published in Acta Psychologica, surveyed nearly 450 young adults. Most had been caned or hit during childhood, and many now view such discipline as acceptable, even effective. But the emotional toll is clear. Many respondents reported fear, guilt, and even injuries from their childhood punishments. Some said their parents later expressed regret. Despite this, a majority still oppose banning physical discipline, suggesting that cultural acceptance runs deep. Experts say it's time to rethink discipline – not as punishment, but as guidance rooted in empathy and respect. Read on the physical disciple cycle study here. Penang has officially made the cut as one of the 10 cities quietly becoming the next best food destinations, according to travel media brand Travel + Leisure. The Malaysian island-state is celebrated for its vibrant street food, multicultural influences, and deep-rooted culinary traditions. From smoky char kway teow to tangy assam laksa, Penang's hawker stalls serve up bold flavours that reflect its Chinese, Malay and Indian heritage. The city's food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, and it's finally getting the global recognition it deserves. Beyond the food, Penang's charm lies in its authenticity. George Town's colonial shophouses and bustling kopitiams offer a nostalgic backdrop to a modern food renaissance. The city's culinary appeal is also drawing international chefs and foodies eager to explore its rich flavours and time-honoured techniques. If you haven't tasted Penang yet, now's the time – before the rest of the world catches on. Read on Penang's heating up food scene here. A decades-old manga has unexpectedly shaken Japan's tourism industry. 'The Future I Saw,' a cult comic by artist Ryo Tatsuki, predicts a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami on 5 July 2025. The claim? A seabed crack between Japan and the Philippines will unleash waves three times taller than the 2011 disaster. Despite zero scientific backing, the prophecy has gone viral across East Asia. Travel agencies in Hong Kong report up to 80 per cent fewer Japan inquiries, with some bookings halved during the Easter period. Tatsuki's credibility stems from a previous 'prediction' that coincided with the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Her book has since sold over 900,000 copies, including Chinese editions. Japan's government has urged calm. Seismologists stress that pinpointing the date of an earthquake is scientifically impossible. Whether myth or marketing, the manga's impact is real, and Japan's tourism sector is feeling the tremors. Read on how Japan's tourism feels the impact of the viral prophecy here. At least $26,000 has been lost in just two weeks to scams involving fake Blackpink concert tickets, according to Singapore police. The K-pop supergroup is set to perform at the National Stadium on 29 and 30 November as part of their Deadline world tour, which includes 13 new Asia stops. Police reported 18 cases of victims being duped by listings on platforms like Telegram, Carousell, and Xiaohongshu. Scammers used fake screenshots, receipts, and urgency tactics to pressure buyers into transferring money. Some victims were even asked to pay twice. Police have reiterated that Ticketmaster is the sole authorised ticketing platform. Tickets are non-transferable, and resale purchases will be rejected at the gate with no refund. This isn't the first time fans have been burned – over $206,000 was lost to similar scams during Blackpink's 2023 Born Pink tour. With general sales already underway and demand sky-high, fans are urged to stay vigilant and avoid unofficial sellers. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is in China for his first state visit as premier but prior to that, the Singapore leader and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr turned heads during a recent summit, not with policy, but with a performance. The two leaders surprised guests at Malacañang Palace with a duet of Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight', with Wong on guitar and Marcos Jr on vocals. The 4-5 June visit was meant to deepen bilateral ties, and it did, with a musical twist. The performance followed discussions on trade and sustainability, but it was the unscripted jam that resonated most with attendees. Marcos Jr, a known Clapton fan, and Wong, wielding a Gibson Les Paul, delivered a rendition that blended diplomacy with showmanship. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to build bridges is through a shared song. Watch it: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has released three residential sites for sale under the H1 2025 Government Land Sales (GLS) programme, offering a combined yield of around 1,765 private homes. The sites are located at Dorset Road, Upper Thomson Road (Parcel A), and Telok Blangah Road. The Telok Blangah site is especially notable, it's the first GLS plot in the area in 35 years and part of the Greater Southern Waterfront transformation. It could yield 745 units and is expected to attract strong developer interest. The Dorset Road site, near Farrer Park MRT, is projected to yield 425 units and may appeal to developers seeking city-fringe opportunities. The Upper Thomson Road (Parcel A) site, which includes commercial space on the first storey, could yield 595 homes. All three sites carry 99-year leases. Tenders close on 9 Oct (Dorset), 23 Oct (Upper Thomson), and 4 Nov (Telok Blangah). With this launch, URA moves closer to its 2025 goal of releasing nearly 10,000 units via the confirmed list. Read on URA's latest land sales here. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called the relationship between Singapore and China 'more important than ever' during his first official visit to China as premier. Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday (24 June), Wong met with President Xi Jinping and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation amid rising global tensions. Wong emphasised the need to strengthen multilateralism and the rules-based global order, noting that Singapore and China can work together on regional and international platforms. Xi echoed the sentiment, calling for tighter strategic cooperation to tackle shared challenges. The visit marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Wong highlighted the long-standing trust and mutual respect that began even before formal ties were established, referencing the legacy of leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Deng Xiaoping. Wong also met Premier Li Qiang and will meet National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji, completing engagements with China's top three leaders. He will conclude his five-day trip by attending the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in Tianjin, where he's slated to speak on regional cooperation and economic resilience. Read on Wong's first visit to China as premier here. A Singaporean man who stole nearly $50,000 in red packets from a wedding reception has been jailed for 12 months. The theft took place at the JW Marriott Hotel on 5 April, where Lee Yi Wei, 36, used his insider knowledge as a former banquet server to strike when the gift table was briefly unattended. Lee made off with two money boxes and quickly hid the cash in a locker at the National Library. He then bought new clothes, changed his appearance, and returned to retrieve the rest of the money. He deposited $36,331 into a bank account and converted it into gambling credits, placing nearly 200 bets online. He also lost $12,200 at a Singapore Pools outlet the same evening. Lee, who acted alone, was arrested two days later with only $3,000 left. The judge called his actions calculated and noted his previous jail term for breach of trust. He must repay the stolen sum or face an additional 100 days behind bars. Read on Singaporean man sentenced for wedding red packet theft here. Chan Yong Kang, a 30-year-old Malaysian single father who worked two jobs, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash along Admiralty Road on 20 June. He was riding home to Johor Bahru after work when he collided with a lorry and was run over by a garbage truck. Chan had worked as an electrician in Singapore for 11 years and took on food delivery jobs in Johor after hours to support his five-year-old daughter and fund his divorce proceedings. He left home at 4am daily and returned by 7pm, only to repeat the cycle the next day. Despite his gruelling schedule, Chan made time every weekend to visit his daughter in Batu Pahat. His siblings described him as a cautious rider and a devoted father who lived simply but gave generously. The accident occurred just after he left his workplace. His brother, who worked with him, said Chan was not speeding and blamed sudden braking by a lorry ahead. Chan's family now hopes to gain custody of his daughter, pledging to raise her together in his memory. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has urged societies to rethink how they approach multiculturalism, warning that superficial integration risks falling apart under pressure. Speaking at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025, he said multicultural societies should resemble batik, where diverse threads are interwoven into a single, resilient fabric. In contrast, he cautioned against the 'patchwork quilt' model, where cultural groups remain separate and loosely stitched together. 'In times of stress, the stitches weaken and the quilt is easily forced apart,' he said. Tharman noted that enthusiasm for multiculturalism is waning globally, with rising political polarisation and a retreat from moderate values. He stressed that shared values and a belief in a common future must be actively cultivated. The ICCS, attended by over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, aims to foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Batik attire was the dress code, fitting for the metaphor. Read on Tharman's call for cohesion here. Singapore is grappling with a sharp rise in youth radicalisation, with 17 individuals aged 20 and below dealt with under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the past decade, with two-thirds of them in just the last five years. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim called the trend a 'pressing security concern' during the Religious Rehabilitation Group's (RRG) annual retreat. He warned that digital echo chambers and extremist content are accelerating radicalisation among youth still forming their identities. Recent cases underscore the urgency. A 17-year-old boy, radicalised by far-right ideologies, planned to shoot worshippers at local mosques using a 3D-printed gun. A 15-year-old girl, inspired by ISIS propaganda, pledged allegiance to the group and sought to marry a fighter in Syria. Authorities say both teens were self-radicalised online and acted alone. The girl is the first female youth to be issued a restriction order under the ISA. The government is ramping up outreach, urging families and schools to report early signs of radicalisation. Read on Singapore's rising youth radicalisation here. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has launched its Draft Master Plan 2025, a sweeping blueprint that will guide land use and development over the next 10 to 15 years. At its core: at least 80,000 new public and private homes across more than 10 areas, including Newton, Orchard, Dover, Kranji, and Defu. The plan is anchored by four themes: Shaping a Happy Healthy City, Enabling Sustainable Growth, Strengthening Urban Resilience, and Stewarding Nature and Heritage. These principles translate into walkable neighbourhoods, mixed-use hubs, and green corridors that connect people to parks, jobs, and each other. Highlights include a new 'urban village' in Newton with 5,000 homes, a mixed-use hub above Orchard MRT with 1,000 residences, and a waterfront estate in Kranji with 14,000 homes. Dover-Medway and Mediapolis will add another 11,000 homes near one-north. Beyond housing, the plan introduces three integrated community hubs in Sengkang, Woodlands North, and Yio Chu Kang, plus new parks in Kranji and conservation efforts for over 30 heritage buildings. The plan also introduces identity corridors and nodes to preserve local character, including Monk's Hill and Siglap. More than 30 buildings, including the NatSteel Pavilion and Pasir Panjang English School, are proposed for conservation. With a focus on sustainability, resilience, and heritage, the plan invites Singaporeans to co-create a city that thrives for generations. Read on Singapore's plan to add 80,000 new homes here. A Singapore study has uncovered a troubling trend: those who were physically disciplined as children are more likely to repeat the cycle with their own kids. The research, published in Acta Psychologica, surveyed nearly 450 young adults. Most had been caned or hit during childhood, and many now view such discipline as acceptable, even effective. But the emotional toll is clear. Many respondents reported fear, guilt, and even injuries from their childhood punishments. Some said their parents later expressed regret. Despite this, a majority still oppose banning physical discipline, suggesting that cultural acceptance runs deep. Experts say it's time to rethink discipline – not as punishment, but as guidance rooted in empathy and respect. Read on the physical disciple cycle study here. Penang has officially made the cut as one of the 10 cities quietly becoming the next best food destinations, according to travel media brand Travel + Leisure. The Malaysian island-state is celebrated for its vibrant street food, multicultural influences, and deep-rooted culinary traditions. From smoky char kway teow to tangy assam laksa, Penang's hawker stalls serve up bold flavours that reflect its Chinese, Malay and Indian heritage. The city's food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, and it's finally getting the global recognition it deserves. Beyond the food, Penang's charm lies in its authenticity. George Town's colonial shophouses and bustling kopitiams offer a nostalgic backdrop to a modern food renaissance. The city's culinary appeal is also drawing international chefs and foodies eager to explore its rich flavours and time-honoured techniques. If you haven't tasted Penang yet, now's the time – before the rest of the world catches on. Read on Penang's heating up food scene here. A decades-old manga has unexpectedly shaken Japan's tourism industry. 'The Future I Saw,' a cult comic by artist Ryo Tatsuki, predicts a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami on 5 July 2025. The claim? A seabed crack between Japan and the Philippines will unleash waves three times taller than the 2011 disaster. Despite zero scientific backing, the prophecy has gone viral across East Asia. Travel agencies in Hong Kong report up to 80 per cent fewer Japan inquiries, with some bookings halved during the Easter period. Tatsuki's credibility stems from a previous 'prediction' that coincided with the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Her book has since sold over 900,000 copies, including Chinese editions. Japan's government has urged calm. Seismologists stress that pinpointing the date of an earthquake is scientifically impossible. Whether myth or marketing, the manga's impact is real, and Japan's tourism sector is feeling the tremors. Read on how Japan's tourism feels the impact of the viral prophecy here. At least $26,000 has been lost in just two weeks to scams involving fake Blackpink concert tickets, according to Singapore police. The K-pop supergroup is set to perform at the National Stadium on 29 and 30 November as part of their Deadline world tour, which includes 13 new Asia stops. Police reported 18 cases of victims being duped by listings on platforms like Telegram, Carousell, and Xiaohongshu. Scammers used fake screenshots, receipts, and urgency tactics to pressure buyers into transferring money. Some victims were even asked to pay twice. Police have reiterated that Ticketmaster is the sole authorised ticketing platform. Tickets are non-transferable, and resale purchases will be rejected at the gate with no refund. This isn't the first time fans have been burned – over $206,000 was lost to similar scams during Blackpink's 2023 Born Pink tour. With general sales already underway and demand sky-high, fans are urged to stay vigilant and avoid unofficial sellers. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is in China for his first state visit as premier but prior to that, the Singapore leader and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr turned heads during a recent summit, not with policy, but with a performance. The two leaders surprised guests at Malacañang Palace with a duet of Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight', with Wong on guitar and Marcos Jr on vocals. The 4-5 June visit was meant to deepen bilateral ties, and it did, with a musical twist. The performance followed discussions on trade and sustainability, but it was the unscripted jam that resonated most with attendees. Marcos Jr, a known Clapton fan, and Wong, wielding a Gibson Les Paul, delivered a rendition that blended diplomacy with showmanship. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to build bridges is through a shared song. Watch it: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has released three residential sites for sale under the H1 2025 Government Land Sales (GLS) programme, offering a combined yield of around 1,765 private homes. The sites are located at Dorset Road, Upper Thomson Road (Parcel A), and Telok Blangah Road. The Telok Blangah site is especially notable, it's the first GLS plot in the area in 35 years and part of the Greater Southern Waterfront transformation. It could yield 745 units and is expected to attract strong developer interest. The Dorset Road site, near Farrer Park MRT, is projected to yield 425 units and may appeal to developers seeking city-fringe opportunities. The Upper Thomson Road (Parcel A) site, which includes commercial space on the first storey, could yield 595 homes. All three sites carry 99-year leases. Tenders close on 9 Oct (Dorset), 23 Oct (Upper Thomson), and 4 Nov (Telok Blangah). With this launch, URA moves closer to its 2025 goal of releasing nearly 10,000 units via the confirmed list. Read on URA's latest land sales here. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called the relationship between Singapore and China 'more important than ever' during his first official visit to China as premier. Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday (24 June), Wong met with President Xi Jinping and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation amid rising global tensions. Wong emphasised the need to strengthen multilateralism and the rules-based global order, noting that Singapore and China can work together on regional and international platforms. Xi echoed the sentiment, calling for tighter strategic cooperation to tackle shared challenges. The visit marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Wong highlighted the long-standing trust and mutual respect that began even before formal ties were established, referencing the legacy of leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Deng Xiaoping. Wong also met Premier Li Qiang and will meet National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji, completing engagements with China's top three leaders. He will conclude his five-day trip by attending the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in Tianjin, where he's slated to speak on regional cooperation and economic resilience. Read on Wong's first visit to China as premier here.
Malay Mail
14 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Gambler jailed 12 months for stealing nearly S$50,000 in red packets at Singapore wedding
SINGAPORE, June 25 — A wedding lunch at the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach turned into a nightmare for a newlywed couple when nearly S$50,000 (RM165,658) in red packets was stolen from their reception by a former banquet server. The Straits Times reported that Lee Yi Wei, 36, was sentenced to 12 months' jail yesterday after pleading guilty to one count of theft and one count of gambling with an unlicensed service provider. The court also ordered him to repay the stolen amount, or face an additional 100 days in jail. Lee, a habitual gambler, made off with two money boxes containing S$48,939 during the wedding event on April 5. According to State Prosecuting Officer Segathesan Kannapan, he had previously worked at the hotel and was familiar with its ballroom layout and reception arrangements. Knowing that red packet collections were typically placed on a registration table in the foyer, Lee struck when the area was momentarily unattended at about 12.50pm. The theft was discovered shortly after, and the wedding organiser contacted police around 1pm after reviewing CCTV footage showing Lee's actions. Investigations revealed that Lee hid the money in a locker at the National Library in Bugis. He used S$348 of the stolen cash to buy new clothes at Bugis Junction, changed into them, then retrieved the rest of the money before spending another S$60 on clothes at Raffles City Shopping Centre. That same day, he deposited S$36,331 of the stolen cash into a bank account via multiple ATMs, converting the sum into online gambling credits. Over the next two days, he placed 195 bets on an unlicensed gambling website and used another S$12,200 to gamble at a Singapore Pools outlet in Middle Road. When Lee was arrested on April 7, police recovered S$3,000 in cash from him. Appearing in court without a lawyer, Lee said in mitigation: 'I should have thought of the consequences... (It was because) of my own gambling addiction, and I acted out of desperation.' In response, District Judge Christopher Goh questioned his motives: 'So this is the kind of thing that you do to a person on the day of their wedding?' Lee was unable to respond. The judge stressed that the theft was premeditated, not a crime of impulse. The court also heard that Lee had a previous conviction for criminal breach of trust, for which he had served a 10-week sentence. Lee has been in remand since May and has begun serving his sentence.
CNA
17 hours ago
- CNA
Jail for man who stole S$50,000 from red packets at hotel wedding reception
SINGAPORE: A man made off with two boxes containing nearly S$50,000 (US$39,000) worth of red packets meant for a couple during their wedding reception at a hotel. Lee Yi Wei, 36, made use of his familiarity with the layout of the ballroom at the JW Marriott hotel on Beach Road, as he used to be a part-time banquet server there. The offender, who is now unemployed, was sentenced to a year's jail on Tuesday (Jun 24), and ordered to pay about S$46,000 to the victim by Jul 31. If he is unable to pay, he must serve another 100 days in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of theft and one count of gambling with an unlicensed gambling service provider. The victim stated in court documents was the 29-year-old groom at the wedding reception held on Apr 5. Before committing the theft, Lee first confirmed that there was an available escape route via the ballroom's side door. He also knew that during wedding receptions, red packets containing cash would be placed on the registration table at the foyer of the ballroom. When the table was momentarily unattended, he took two boxes, one blue and one white, containing red packets with cash amounting to S$48,939. He then fled through the side door of the ballroom. When the wedding organiser discovered that the boxes were missing, he reviewed the closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) footage, which had captured Lee in action, and called the police. Lee headed to a back alley along Purvis Street, where he transferred the contents of the white box into the blue box. At about 1pm, CCTV footage captured Lee keeping the blue box in a locker at the National Library building. Lee then left for Bugis Junction and spent about S$350 of the stolen money to buy new clothes, which he changed into. After that, he went back to retrieve the remaining money from the locker, threw away the box and left. According to court documents, Lee is a habitual gambler. On the evening of the offence, he went to a Singapore Pools outlet and gambled away S$12,200 of the red packet money in four hours. He also had an account with an unlicensed gambling service provider. Lee deposited over S$36,000 of the stolen money to a bank account before converting these cash deposits into online gambling credits. From Apr 5 and Apr 7, 2025, Lee placed 195 bets with the converted credits. When he was arrested on Apr 7, S$3,000 was seized from him.
