Trial begins for couple accused of selling talismans in S$490,000 scam
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — In a purported scam that went on for more than a decade, a couple is accused of cheating three people of almost S$490,000 by selling talismans “imbued with special powers”.
The trial opened on Tuesday (Sept 6) for Ng Kim Yew, 60, and her husband Ong Choon Lin, 66, who are disputing 20 charges each of conspiring to cheat the alleged victims from 2004 to October last year.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Public Prosecutors (DPPs) Tay Jingxi and Charis Low, is charging that what couple touted as talismans from “spiritual masters” in Thailand and Tibet were nothing more than scribbles on paper by Ong, a retiree.
Ms Liu Shanshan, Ms Ng Kia Eng, and Mr Ho Che Leong sought the services of Ng, a Malaysian who professes to be a fortune-teller, at her home in Ang Mo Kio.
Over the years, each started confiding in her about their personal problems and aspirations. Ng allegedly offered the same solution to their problems: To procure, through her, “personalised talismans dedicated to each of them”.
Ng apparently told them that each talisman has been written, drawn and chanted over by “spiritual masters” from Thailand and Tibet, and they each parted with sums ranging from hundreds of dollars to S$38,800 for every talisman.
Ng also allegedly asked for their belongings such as jewellery and watches in exchange for the talismans.
Each victim received their talismans in sealed packages and were told not to open them or else they would “lose their powers”.
Those who bought the more expensive talismans also received “annual letters” seemingly written by Ng’s Thai spiritual master, who gave a forecast of their fortunes for the new Chinese lunar year.
For the trial, the prosecution will call on a handwriting expert from the Health Sciences Authority to give his expert opinion on the handwriting samples in question.
Items seized from the couple’s home and 21 talismans belonging to the three victims will be presented to the court.
Video clips recorded by Ms Liu will be tendered in court to show how Ng and Ong carried out their work, and how Ong was complicit in the scheme.
By writing on the talismans, Ong played an “instrumental role” in the scam perpetrated by his wife, DPP Tay said in the opening statement.
The prosecution will also call on 16 witnesses for the trial. On Tuesday, forensic examiner Alan Tan and two translators from the Singapore Police Force, Ms Seto Xin Er and Ms Joanne Chia, took the stand.
If convicted of cheating and abetment to cheat, Ng and Ong face up to 10 years’ jail and/or a fine for each charge.
