Durian stall assistant jailed for $17k theft

However, after repaying just $2,204, Tan resumed gambling and even borrowed money from customers and colleagues to do so.

Prosecution: A deliberate and escalating offence

The director eventually lodged a police report, and Tan was arrested on June 1.

The prosecution argued that Tan’s actions were not the result of a momentary lapse in judgment, but rather a deliberate act which escalated into criminal conduct.

According to Shin Min Daily News, Tan said he had realised the seriousness of his actions during mitigation and apologised for damaging the company’s business and reputation. He also expressed remorse to his supervisors and colleagues, appealing for leniency.

Taking into account that Tan had voluntarily confessed to the company and made partial restitution, the prosecution sought a sentence of five months’ imprisonment.

Around 50 customers turned up demanding repayment

Speaking to reporters on June 26, Top Durian Station’s operator, Cai Ming You (transliterated), said Tan had worked for the company for about eight or nine months before the offence.

“When I visited the outlet, I realised the money wasn’t there. After questioning him, he admitted what he had done,” Cai said.

Cai added that he had been unaware of Tan’s gambling tendencies and had initially intended to give him another chance by deducting repayments from his salary.

However, Cai said that even after Tan’s arrest, customers continued visiting the stall, claiming they had lent him money. He estimated there were about 50 such customers.

To prevent similar incidents, Cai said only outlet supervisors are allowed access to the safe. If a supervisor is on leave, Cai would personally take over the responsibility of the safe.

Borrowed money from stall owners

When Shin Min reporters visited a coffee shop near the durian stall on June 27, several stall owners and assistants said they had lent cash to Tan.

Jenny (transliterated), 37, who runs a fish soup stall, said Tan told her he had received a traffic summons and urgently needed money. She said he looked like an honest person, and didn’t ask for his contact details before lending him the money.

“When I didn’t see him for the next few days, I went to the durian stall to ask for my money back. That’s when I found out he had been borrowing from people, with one person even lending him $1,000. I don’t think I’ll ever get my money back. I won’t be so quick to lend money to others again.”

Fong (transliterated), 43, who owns a nearby Vietnamese grocery shop, said Tan had made similar claims and asked to borrow $700.

The shop owner said he felt it was only right to lend a helping hand to a “neighbour”, but only realised Tan was into gambling after he handed over the money.

“He repaid $400 and said he would pay the rest when he received his salary, but he was arrested. I didn’t make a police report, but I hope he reflects on what he has done.”

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