Malaysian accused of collecting scam proceeds from victim taken back to Punggol crime scene

One of two Malaysians charged on Oct 21 for their alleged involvement in a government official impersonation scam, was taken back to the crime scene in Punggol on Monday (Oct 26) morning. 

Saravanan Ramu, 25, is accused of abetment by conspiracy to assist another person to retain benefits from criminal conduct. 

He allegedly met a 40-year-old female victim outside a residential development on Edgedale Plains, where the victim handed over $3,500 in cash and about $20,000 in foreign currency and jewellery.

She was earlier told by unknown persons to hand over these valuables for further "checks" after she denied having made a purchase at electronics retailer Harvey Norman.

Escorted by three police investigators, he arrived outside the residential development at about 9.35am.

Dressed in a white polo shirt and navy blue shorts, he was restrained at the wrists and ankles as he retraced where he collected the items from the victim.

Police investigators were seen asking him questions, and at times, pointing towards an area ahead of where they were standing.

Saravanan looked stoic and keep his head mostly bowed, only looking at times when places were pointed out to him by investigations.

He spent about 10 minutes at the scene before been taken away.

The second Malaysian who was charged,  Anson Lu Ting Hing, 25, was not present at the scene revisit on Monday.

Saravanan is scheduled to appear in court again on Wednesday. 

If found guilty of their charges, the duo could each face up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.

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