We’re sure you’re all aware of the infamous scandal surrounding one of Singapore’s biggest megachurches, City Harvest Church (CHC). If you aren’t, here’s a little summary for you!
Earlier in 2015, six leaders from the church were sentenced to between 21 months and eight years in jail for misappropriating church funds worth a whopping $50 million (approx. RM147,778,250). This has been the biggest corruption case Singapore has seen in years.
A large sum of the money was reportedly used to fund and promote the pop music career of the pastor’s wife, Sun Ho. During the court trial, defendants argued that the church was using Sun Ho’s music career to “reach out to non-Christians”.
Source: BBC
She’s even collaborated with American rapper Wycleaf Jean (if you’re curious about the kind of music she has put out, check out some of her songs here and here).
In recent developments, an ex-fund manager of the megachurch, 57-year-old Chew Eng Han, was meant to start serving his three-year jail term today (22nd February). However, a tip-off was sent to authorities that he was going to flee to Malaysia by boat the day before he had to report to jail, according to Channel NewsAsia.
Chew had reportedly deferred his jail sentence to 22nd February so he could spend Chinese New Year with his family.
Source: Mothership
Source: Channel NewsAsia
Sure enough, the authorities found and managed to intercept a motorised ‘sampan‘ off Pulau Ubin at around 8.45am yesterday morning (21st February).
Two men, one of them being Chew, were on the boat. They told authorities that they were actually going fishing, but $5,000 (approx. RM14,780) was found on their ‘sampan‘.
Source: CNA | Facebook
Both men have since been arrested, and could be jailed for up to 6 months with a $2,000 fine (approx. RM5,910) for leaving Singapore illegally. Chew will be charged in court today.
Meanwhile, a third individual, identified as Chew’s brother, was also arrested in relation to this incident for helping them leave the country. He could end up with between 6 months and 2 years’ jail time and fined up to $6,000 (approx. RM17,740) if found guilty.
Well, it just goes to show you can’t escape the long arm of the law!
Also read: First Police Ops In 2017 Failed When A Police Officer Accidentally Switched On Siren
