Pi Jiapeng and his wife Siriwipa Pansuk fled Singapore in July.
SINGAPORE: A couple accused of a luxury goods scam, resulting in substantial financial losses for numerous victims, has been apprehended in Malaysia and returned to Singapore police after evading capture for over five weeks.
On Thursday (Aug 11), the Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed its collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to secure the couple’s repatriation. A warrant for the arrest of Singaporean Pi Jiapeng and his wife, Thai national Siriwipa Pansuk, was issued on July 16, linking them to two firms, Tradenation and Tradeluxury.
The SPF was alerted by the Royal Thai Police on Wednesday about the couple’s potential whereabouts in a Johor Bahru hotel. Swift action was taken, leading the Royal Malaysia Police to execute the arrest warrant.
Upon arriving at the Woodlands Checkpoint shortly before 6 pm on Thursday, CNA observed two police vehicles stationed at the bus arrival area. The couple was handed over to the SPF around 6 pm and were seen being escorted to police cars at approximately 6:20 pm. They refrained from addressing the media during their transfer.
Investigations are ongoing, with the police indicating that the couple faces charges of criminal conspiracy to commit cheating and illegal departure from Singapore. They are set to appear in court on Friday.
“The Singapore authorities are committed to pursuing justice against those who commit crimes within our borders, regardless of where they flee,” stated the police. “We will also take decisive action against fraudsters.”
Background on the Case:
Pi was previously detained in June for his alleged involvement in cheating offenses, leading to the confiscation of his Singapore passport, after which he was released on bail. Siriwipa also surrendered her passport to assist with the investigation.
The couple went missing and fled Singapore through Tuas Checkpoint on July 4, hiding in a container compartment of a Malaysian lorry. By July 21, they were placed on Interpol’s red notice list.
At least 180 police reports have been filed concerning the scam involving Tradenation and Tradeluxury. While some media outlets report the total value of the undelivered luxury items to be S$32 million, victims have yet to receive goods worth at least S$20 million as of July 17.
Two accomplices, Malaysians Mohamad Fazli Abdul Rahman, 38, and Mohamed Alias, 40, have expressed intentions to plead guilty. Mohamad Fazli is charged with conspiring to assist the couple in their escape, while Mohamed Alias faces charges for driving the lorry through Tuas Checkpoint on July 4. They are scheduled to return to court later this month.
