Despite the prosecution arguing for Chen to be jailed for between 15 and 17 months, Chen’s lawyer, Mr. Gary Low from Drew and Napier, argued for a 14-month sentence, highlighting that the circumstances of his client’s case did not warrant the harshest penalty.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Foo Shi Hao noted that the amount seized in Chen’s money laundering offences was the second-highest among the accused. He also pointed out that while Chen retained about 10 % of his assets, others, including Wang Baosen, had surrendered everything.
The prosecution cited several aggravating factors, such as Chen’s “calculated and intentional” use of forged documents, the “substantial” amount involved in his money laundering offences, and its transnational nature.
Chen’s lawyer disagreed with the sentence sought by the prosecution, arguing that his client’s case did not warrant a jail term at the highest end.
Mr Low pointed out that his client had pleaded guilty at an early stage, saving resources that would have been spent on a lengthy trial.
As we all know, money laundering offences with its transnational elements are complex cases which will necessitate a lengthy and complex trial.”
“His early (plea of guilt) is a reflection of his sincere and utmost remorse and is a significant mitigating factor.”
Defence counsel highlighted Chen’s economic and social contributions to Singapore
Mr Low also highlighted Chen’s economic and social contributions to Singapore since relocating there in 2019.
He said Chen’s company employed 25 to 28 people in Singapore, including Singaporeans, and its economic performance positively contributed to the country.
Mr Low also claimed that Chen actively engaged in charity, serving as the deputy chairman of Lions Club of Singapore Mandarin and frequently organizing social activities for the elderly.
“Mr Chen’s contributions both financially and socially in Singapore are not insignificant. They reflect a genuine desire by Mr Chen to avoid any illegal activities ever since his relocation from China, as well as to be a positive force in society,” said Mr Low.
The prosecution argued that Chen’s sentence should deter potential offenders and noted his likely deportation after the case.
Mr Low countered, insisting that Chen’s sentence should match those previously given, calling the prosecution’s proposed 15 to 17 months unfair and inappropriate.
He highlighted that Chen did not have the most charges or highest asset value seized compared to others, such as Vang Shuiming, who received 13 months and six weeks in jail despite facing more charges.
Mr Low argued that a higher sentence for Chen would be “completely disproportionate”
In passing the sentence, Senior District Judge Ong Hian Sun stated that he had taken all factors into consideration and backdated the jail term to Chen’s arrest on 15 August 2023.
Forgery carries a jail term of up to four years, a fine, or both. For possessing the benefits of criminal conduct, a person may be fined up to S$150,000 or jailed for up to three years, or both.
Wanted by China authorities
Sixth of the arrested in the S$3B case: Su Wenqiang, Su Haijin, Wang Baosen, Su Baolin, Zhang Ruijin and Vang Shuiming, already pleaded guilty earlier, all of whom received jail sentences ranging from 13 to 15 months for their involvement in money laundering activities.
Su Wenqiang and Wang Baoshen were deported to Cambodia by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on 6 May and are prohibited from re-entering Singapore.
In August last year, an investigation done by the Phnom Penh Post using the Royal Gazette revealed that both Su Baolin and Su Wenqiang obtained Cambodian citizenship through naturalization in 2019, while Chen Qingyuan did so in 2018.
According to a report by China’s “Sohu News,” in February 2019, the Anxi County Public Security Bureau in Fujian Province released a list of 115 fugitives wanted for various types of crimes, including a fraud case involving an individual named “Chen Qingyuan.”