Man behind Cortina Watch heist charged
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 March 2009 1339 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Former Cortina Watch employee Jerry Ee, who allegedly stole 386 luxury watches last December, was charged in court on Saturday.

After being on the run for 80 days, the long arm of the law finally caught up with Jerry Ee.

The 35-year-old was brought back to Singapore from Bangkok on Thursday night.

Jerry Ee appeared in court in the same clothes he wore when he surrendered at the Singapore embassy in Bangkok four days ago.

He was charged with one count of criminal breach of trust.

Jerry Ee allegedly took 386 timepieces worth over S$8 million and S$27,137 in cash from Cortina's Raffles City outlet on Christmas Day last year.

He turned himself in at the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok on Tuesday, after being on the run for nearly three months.

He was calm and composed as the charge was read out to him.

He is being remanded for further investigations and his case will be mentioned again on March 27.

Jerry Ee spoke briefly to his lawyer on Saturday morning. His lawyer said he has advised his client to fully cooperate with the police investigations. He said his client has assured him that he will do so.

So far, only 230 of the stolen watches have been recovered.

Police investigations are underway to track down the missing 156 watches.

If convicted, Jerry Ee could be jailed for up to 15 years and fined.

Cortina Watch has also filed a civil suit against Jerry Ee. - CNA/ir/ms