Latest news with #Spanish-Colombian
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Straits Times
2 men accused of breaking into Bukit Timah home, stealing items worth $684k return to scene of crime
2 men accused of breaking into Bukit Timah home, stealing items worth $684k return to scene of crime SINGAPORE – Three foreigners, who were charged with breaking into a house in Dunearn Close and stealing jewellery, luxury watches and cash with a total value of about $684,800, were brought out of remand for investigations on May 14. Mexican national Hector Danial Garcia Iglesias, 51, and Mexican-Colombian national Mateo Andres Garces Murillo, 48, were taken to the landed home in Bukit Timah at about 1.45pm. Hector was the first to step out of the police van, dressed in a white polo tee and blue shorts, with shackles around his hands and feet. Wearing a blue surgical mask, he spoke with police officers outside the unit for a few minutes, with assistance from a Spanish interpreter. He was then escorted into the house, where he remained for about 15 minutes. Once he returned to the van, it was Mateo's turn to be taken through the same procedure. While they were outside the unit, both men pointed in the direction of a nearby hill while being questioned by a police officer. They were whisked away in the police van at about 2.30pm. Meanwhile, Spanish-Colombian national Hernando Giraldo Franco, 60, was brought to the alleged location where a car related to the case had previously been. Hector, Mateo and Hernando, who are suspected of involvement in other cases of housebreaking in the vicinity, were charged on May 12 with one count of housebreaking each for the incident that occurred in Dunearn Close. According to court documents, they broke into the landed home at 9.55pm on May 9 by forcing open a sliding window and allegedly stole jewellery worth about $421,300. Their loot included seven luxury watches, including a Cartier watch valued at about $80,000, as well as local and foreign currencies, totalling about $11,500. In a statement on May 11, the police said they suspect the three men are involved in two other housebreaking and theft incidents in the Bukit Timah area. One of them took place in Cluny Park and was reported to the police on May 9 at about 11pm, while the other happened in Eng Neo Avenue and was reported at around 10pm on May 10. After establishing their identities through ground inquiries and CCTV and police camera footage, officers arrested Hernando and Hector in Jalan Kubor, and Mateo in Tyrwhitt Road, on May 11. Police said the three of them had entered Singapore on social visit passes within the past fortnight. A car, a circular power saw and an assortment of jewellery, as well as cash in various currencies totalling more than $18,000, were recovered from the men. Police have not ruled out the possibility of the suspects being linked to other cases, but added that there is currently no evidence linking them to a larger syndicate. The three men will return to court on May 19 for a further mention of their case. If convicted of the single housebreaking charge they currently face, they will each face a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
New Paper
12-05-2025
- New Paper
3 men accused of Bukit Timah break-in, stealing $684K in luxury items and cash
Three foreign nationals allegedly involved in three cases of housebreaking and theft in Bukit Timah were hauled to court on May 12. From one house alone, they purportedly stole jewellery, luxury watches and cash worth about $684,800 in total. Spanish-Colombian national Hernando Giraldo Franco, 60; Mexican national Hector Danial Garcia Iglesias, 51; and Mexican-Colombian national Mateo Andres Garces Murillo, 48, each face one charge of housebreaking. Both Hernando and Mateo have dual citizenship. According to charge sheets, the trio allegedly broke into a landed estate at Dunearn Close on May 9 at 9.55pm by forcing open a sliding window. They purportedly stole items including jewellery worth about $421,300, and seven luxury watches - such as Mont Blanc Men and Bruguet Men vintage watches worth about $58,000 in total, and a Cartier watch valued at about $80,000. Their loot also consisted of local and foreign currency from the house, totalling about $11,500. On May 12, District Judge Paul Quan granted a police prosecutor's request for the men to be remanded for one week, with permission to take them out for investigation. The prosecutor noted that their presence was needed to conduct raids, recover exhibits and investigate their potential additional charges. Speaking to the court via a Spanish interpreter, Hector and Mateo asked for forgiveness, saying they wanted to return all the stolen items to the victims. Hector said he has informed the investigating officer where to find the remaining lost items, and that he was remorseful for what he did. "(I) made this mistake due to family problems, economic problems back in (my) country," said Hector via the interpreter. He also asked about the maximum jail sentence of 10 years for the housebreaking offence, and said it was "too long" as he has "family, children and grandchildren." Judge Quan responded that this was not a hearing to determine their innocence or guilt, adding that they could mitigate their case at a later stage. Meanwhile, Hernando said he suffers from hyperthyroidism and needs daily medication. In response, Judge Quan asked the remand doctor to ensure he receives it. The judge also noted the presence of officials from the Embassy of Mexico in the court, who were there to assist Hector and Mateo. Police said on May 11 that the trio were apprehended 27 hours after the first case was reported. That case in Cluny Park was reported to the police on May 9 at about 11pm, while the second break-in in Dunearn Close - the case mentioned in the charge sheets - was reported at about 8am on May 10. The third incident in Eng Neo Avenue was reported at around 10pm on May 10. After establishing their identities through extensive ground inquiries, CCTV and police camera footage, officers arrested Hernando and Hector in Jalan Kubor, and Mateo in Tyrwhitt Road on May 11. Police said the three of them had entered Singapore separately on social visit passes within the past fortnight. A car, a circular power saw, an assortment of jewellery, as well as cash in various currencies totalling more than $18,000, were recovered from the men. Police have not ruled out the possibility of the suspects being linked to other cases, but added that there is currently no evidence linking them to a larger syndicate. If convicted, they will each face a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.
AsiaOne
12-05-2025
- AsiaOne
3 foreigners arrested after series of housebreaking and theft in Bukit Timah area
Three men were arrested on Sunday (May 11) for their suspected involvement in three cases of housebreaking and theft at three residential units in the Bukit Timah vicinity. The Singapore Police Force stated the same day that they were alerted to three cases along Cluny Park, Dunearn Close and Neo Avenue between May 9 and 10. The three individuals apprehended are a Spanish-Colombian national, 60; a Mexican national, 51; and a Mexican-Colombian national, 48. Through ground enquiries and the aid of CCTVs and police cameras, the police were able to identify the suspects and arrested the three men within 27 hours of the first case being reported. Two of them were nabbed along Jalan Kubor while the other was arrested at Tyrwhitt Road. A car, a circular power saw, an assortment of jewellery, as well as cash of various currencies amounting to more than $18,000 were recovered from the three men, SPF said. They will be charged in court on May 12 for housebreaking and theft with common intention. If convicted, they may face a jail term which may extend to 10 years and a fine. The police stated that they were not ruling out the possibility of other linked cases but at the present time, there was no evidence linking the three suspects to a larger syndicate, The Straits Times reported. Community vigilance aided arrest Two members of the public — a woman and her son — assisted in the investigation by providing witness accounts, according to SPF. On May 9, Lily Tan, in her 50s, and her son Shane Lee, 16, saw an unfamiliar car circling around the neighbourhood near their home in Bukit Timah and took down the car's licence plate number. The following morning, after receiving a text from a neighbour about a housebreaking and theft reported in the area the night before, they contacted the police to share details of the vehicle. They were presented with certificates of appreciation on May 11, in recognition of their assistance in the arrest of the three men. Despite the decline in the number of housebreaking cases, the police said Singapore remains a target for transnational criminal, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. The police advised those who encounter an intruder or suspicious characters in their neighbourhood to remain calm and prioritise their safety and that of their family members. They should observe and remember the suspect's clothing, physical appearance and any distinctive features. Another thing to take note of is the suspect's direction of escape and registration number, if they are using a vehicle to escape. They should contact the police immediately to report the incident as soon as it is safe to do so. [[nid:717736]] amierul@
AsiaOne
12-05-2025
- AsiaOne
3 foreigners arrested after series of housebreaking and theft in Bukit Timah area, Singapore News
Three men were arrested on Sunday (May 11) for their suspected involvement in three cases of housebreaking and theft at three residential units in the Bukit Timah vicinity. The Singapore Police Force stated the same day that they were alerted to three cases along Cluny Park, Dunearn Close and Neo Avenue between May 9 and 10. The three individuals apprehended are a Spanish-Colombian national, 60; a Mexican national, 51; and a Mexican-Colombian national, 48. Through ground enquiries and the aid of CCTVs and police cameras, the police were able to identify the suspects and arrested the three men within 27 hours of the first case being reported. Two of them were nabbed along Jalan Kubor while the other was arrested at Tyrwhitt Road. A car, a circular power saw, an assortment of jewellery, as well as cash of various currencies amounting to more than $18,000 were recovered from the three men, SPF said. They will be charged in court on May 12 for housebreaking and theft with common intention. If convicted, they may face a jail term which may extend to 10 years and a fine. The police stated that they were not ruling out the possibility of other linked cases but at the present time, there was no evidence linking the three suspects to a larger syndicate, The Straits Times reported. Community vigilance aided arrest Two members of the public — a woman and her son — assisted in the investigation by providing witness accounts, according to SPF. On May 9, Lily Tan, in her 50s, and her son Shane Lee, 16, saw an unfamiliar car circling around the neighbourhood near their home in Bukit Timah and took down the car's licence plate number. The following morning, after receiving a text from a neighbour about a housebreaking and theft reported in the area the night before, they contacted the police to share details of the vehicle. They were presented with certificates of appreciation on May 11, in recognition of their assistance in the arrest of the three men. Despite the decline in the number of housebreaking cases, the police said Singapore remains a target for transnational criminal, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. The police advised those who encounter an intruder or suspicious characters in their neighbourhood to remain calm and prioritise their safety and that of their family members. They should observe and remember the suspect's clothing, physical appearance and any distinctive features. Another thing to take note of is the suspect's direction of escape and registration number, if they are using a vehicle to escape. They should contact the police immediately to report the incident as soon as it is safe to do so. [[nid:717736]] amierul@
Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Straits Times
3 men charged over Bukit Timah house break-in; allegedly stole $684K in luxury items, cash
A car, a circular power saw, an assortment of jewellery, as well as cash in various currencies totalling more than $18,000, were recovered from the three men. PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE – Three foreign nationals allegedly involved in three cases of housebreaking and theft in Bukit Timah were hauled to court on May 12. From one house alone, they purportedly stole jewellery, luxury watches and cash worth about $684,800 in total. Spanish-Colombian national Hernando Giraldo Franco, 60; Mexican national Hector Danial Garcia Iglesias, 51; and Mexican-Colombian national Mateo Andres Garces Murillo, 48, each face one charge of housebreaking. Both Hernando and Mateo have dual citizenship. According to charge sheets, the trio allegedly broke into a landed estate at Dunearn Close on May 9 at 9.55pm by forcing open a sliding window. They purportedly stole items including jewellery worth about $421,300, and seven luxury watches – such as Mont Blanc Men and Bruguet Men vintage watches worth about $58,000 in total, and a Cartier watch valued at about $80,000. Their loot also consisted of local and foreign currency from the house, totalling about $11,500. On May 12, District Judge Paul Quan granted a police prosecutor's request for the men to be remanded for one week, with permission to take them out for investigation. The prosecutor noted that their presence was needed to conduct raids, recover exhibits and investigate their potential additional charges. Speaking to the court via a Spanish interpreter, Hector and Mateo asked for forgiveness, saying they wanted to return all the stolen items to the victims. Hector said he has informed the investigating officer where to find the remaining lost items, and that he was remorseful for what he did. '(I) made this mistake due to family problems, economic problems back in (my) country,' said Hector via the interpreter. He also asked about the maximum jail sentence of 10 years for the housebreaking offence, and said it was 'too long' as he has 'family, children and grandchildren.' Judge Quan responded that this was not a hearing to determine their innocence or guilt, adding that they could mitigate their case at a later stage. Meanwhile, Hernando said he suffers from hyperthyroidism and needs daily medication. In response, Judge Quan asked the remand doctor to ensure he receives it. The judge also noted the presence of officials from the Embassy of Mexico in the court, who were there to assist Hector and Mateo. Police said on May 11 that the trio were apprehended 27 hours after the first case was reported. That case in Cluny Park was reported to the police on May 9 at about 11pm, while the second break-in in Dunearn Close – the case mentioned in the charge sheets – was reported at about 8am on May 10. The third incident in Eng Neo Avenue was reported at around 10pm on May 10. After establishing their identities through extensive ground inquiries, CCTV and police camera footage, officers arrested Hernando and Hector in Jalan Kubor, and Mateo in Tyrwhitt Road on May 11. Police said the three of them had entered Singapore separately on social visit passes within the past fortnight. A car, a circular power saw, an assortment of jewellery, as well as cash in various currencies totalling more than $18,000, were recovered from the men. Police have not ruled out the possibility of the suspects being linked to other cases, but added that there is currently no evidence linking them to a larger syndicate. If convicted, they will each face a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine. Christine Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times reporting on crime, justice and social issues in Singapore. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
