Four men from China were charged on 10 August 2024 for possessing housebreaking tools, following a police operation in Bukit Timah. The suspects—He Jiao, 38, Zhou Qifa, 36, Yang Chao, 41, and Zhou Yinggui, 36—are believed to be linked to a larger Chinese criminal syndicate responsible for numerous break-ins throughout Singapore.
Details of the Arrests
The quartet was spotted by police along the Rail Corridor on the night of 8 August, and subsequently fled when approached. However, they were arrested within days, with further investigations revealing connections to at least three reported break-ins between April and July 2024, amounting to losses of about S$60,000.
Police Investigation and Evidence
- Items found in their possession included three screwdrivers and two wrenches.
- Cash amounting to more than S$400 was also seized.
- Clothing belonging to the suspects was discovered in nearby forested areas during subsequent manhunts.
Questioning Process
On the morning of 14 August, officers brought He Jiao and Zhou Qifa back to the Rail Corridor for questioning. Each was escorted by officers and briefly interrogated about their activities near the area prior to their arrest. Meanwhile, Yang Chao and Zhou Yinggui were also taken to a different location for the ongoing investigation.
The questioning lasted between three to five minutes for each suspect. Notably, their interactions were conducted in Mandarin, with officers referencing specific areas related to the incidents.
Potential Consequences
If found guilty, each suspect could face up to two years in prison and/or fines for possessing tools intended for housebreaking. The police continue to investigate their involvement in other related cases, raising concerns about the prevalence of such criminal activity in Singapore.
As our neighbourhoods adapt to these security challenges, it’s vital for residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.