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SINGAPORE \u2013 A former captain in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) was charged in court on Nov 10 over allegedly cheating 16 people into giving him $145,250. <\/p>\n
Benjamin Song Yong Pang, 37, purportedly made them believe that the money was used either for investments or to pay his mother\u2019s medical bills. <\/p>\n
Song was handed 18 cheating charges, of which 13 were amalgamated\u00a0charges, where multiple alleged incidents are taken together in a single offence.<\/p>\n
Charge sheets stated that the alleged offences took place over almost three years between May 2021 and March 2024.<\/p>\n
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau said in a statement on Nov 10 that Song had used the money to service his debts and expenses.<\/p>\n
Song appeared in court with an elderly couple and said he would be getting legal advice for his case. He is currently out on bail of $100,000. His case will be heard again on Dec 8.<\/p>\n
If convicted, Song faces up to 10 years\u2019 jail and a fine for each charge of cheating. For the amalgamated charges, he can face twice the amount of punishment liable for that offence.<\/p>\n
A Mindef spokesperson told The Straits Times that Song was suspended from his duties following his arrest and is no longer a regular serviceman with the SAF.<\/p>\n
Mindef did not mention which branch of SAF Song was from, or when his employment ended.<\/p>\n
The spokesperson said SAF holds its service personnel to high standards of discipline and integrity, adding: \u201cWe do not tolerate any form of cheating in the SAF. Service personnel who commit offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n