Six Singapore Armed Robbers Sentenced for Cryptocurrency Theft

Singapore's High Court has sentenced six defendants to prison terms for an armed robbery that involved coercing victims to transfer cryptocurrency and stealing cash and luxury items worth approximately S$4.9 million (US$3.5 million). Channel News Asia (CNA) reported on April 14 that the six Malaysians were found guilty of armed robbery and illegal transfer of criminal proceeds abroad.

The two main perpetrators, Wang Chishan and Gao Fentong, received sentences of 12 years and 11 months in prison, 24 strokes of the cane, and a fine of S$4,000 each. According to CNA's report on the trial, the group broke into a residence at King Albert Park in Bukit Timah, Singapore, on April 18, 2024, binding 11 people who were participating in a poker game. The perpetrators checked victims' cryptocurrency applications on their phones before transferring funds to controlled wallets and taking cash and luxury watches.

Singapore Police reported that approximately S$1.69 million has been recovered from the stolen amount, while about S$3.21 million remains unrecovered. The remaining four defendants received prison terms ranging from seven years and eight months to ten years and six months, with one 51-year-old defendant excluded from caning due to age.