SINGAPORE — In a shocking breach of trust, Yu Mingyan, a 34-year-old physiotherapist assistant, has been sentenced to 18 months and two weeks in prison for unlawfully accessing his bedridden friend’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) account. In addition, he was fined S$30,000, with a month of jail time to be added if he fails to pay the fine.
Betrayal of Trust
The victim, a 62-year-old woman and former colleague of Yu, was unable to speak or move due to medical complications while hospitalised at Gleneagles Hospital. During his visits, Yu exploited their friendship by guessing her passwords and making a series of unauthorized transactions.
Details of the Offence
- Over three occasions between June and July 2023, Yu transferred a total of S$54,000 from her CPF account to his own.
- The amounts included S$30,000 on one occasion, S$20,000 on another, and S$4,000 on the final transfer.
The fraudulent activity only came to light after the victim’s niece discovered the suspicious transactions and confronted Yu. His cover-up attempts included claiming to be a victim of a larger scam.
Forged Documents
To bolster his false claims, Yu forged a police report supposedly filed in August 2023, alleging that he had already reported the unauthorized access. He later became unreachable after further inquiry, prompting the niece to file a formal police report in October 2024.
Additional Criminal Activities
Yu was not only implicated in the CPF incident but also faced charges related to loan shark activities. After borrowing S$600 from an unlicensed moneylender in October 2023, he struggled to meet repayment schedules and resorted to facilitating illegal bank transfers.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Jeremy Bin highlighted the egregious nature of Yu’s actions, emphasising that he took advantage of a vulnerable friend instead of providing support during her time of need. The judge echoed these sentiments, stating the betrayal was particularly heart-wrenching.
Yu’s financial situation was scrutinised, revealing a lack of means to compensate the victim for her lost funds, underscoring the gravity of his situation.
Awaiting Imprisonment
Yu has been granted a deferment of his sentence until the end of September 2024, allowing him to sort out personal affairs before serving his time behind bars.