In a recent court ruling, Singapore businessman David Yong has faced a setback in his attempts to travel overseas, with a judge reiterating concerns about his status as a “serious flight risk”. This marks the third time Yong, who is embroiled in legal troubles, has had his application denied.
Background on the Case
Yong, the 37-year-old CEO of Evergreen Group Holdings, is navigating serious allegations, including four charges related to the falsification of accounts. He made headlines previously as a participant in the Netflix series Super Rich In Korea, which highlights the extravagant lifestyles of the affluent.
Details of the Denial
On 20 March 2024, District Judge Brenda Tan rejected Yong’s application to travel to Seoul and Kuala Lumpur for business between 21 March and 2 April. His first request was turned down on 30 August 2024, with issues over his Cambodian passport being central to the denial.
Unresolved Passport Concerns
- Yong’s Cambodian passport, held under the name “Duong Dara”, remains a critical point in the proceedings.
- The court highlighted that Yong’s claims of having surrendered the passport in June 2024 were not substantiated by official confirmation from Cambodian authorities.
In court, his lawyer, Melanie Ho, presented videos and photos suggesting that the passport was in the possession of Cambodian authorities and marked as “cancelled”. However, the prosecution maintained that the lack of definitive confirmation makes Yong a flight risk.
Suspicion Over Intentions
The prosecution pointed to WhatsApp conversations between Yong and an associate discussing acquiring a Grenada passport—suggestive of his ongoing interest in obtaining alternate citizenship. Judge Tan remarked that this further indicated potential plans for flight, despite Yong’s claims of merely seeking investment opportunities.
The Legal Stakes
Yong’s current bail is set at S$1 million (approximately US$749,000), and he faces significant legal repercussions. For each count of falsifying accounts, he could face up to ten years in prison and hefty fines.
Next Steps
The case is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on 8 May 2024, where further legal developments will unfold.