Chinese woman tries to sneak out of S'pore in boot
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Chinese woman tries to sneak out of S'pore in boot
ASia One - 28 May 2010
A 58-year-old Singaporean man has been arrested for attempting to smuggle a 41-year-old Chinese woman - who was found inside his car boot - out of Singapore.
Early on Wednesday morning, the man drove up to an immigration booth at the Woodlands Checkpoint for immigration clearance.
After the officer directed him to the Duty Office for further checks, the man became agitated and repeatedly asked for the reason for the checks. He also refused to wind down his car windows after being instructed by officers.
Sensing something was amiss, officers opened the boot of his grey, Singapore-registered car where the woman was found crouching inside the otherwise empty boot.
Both were arrested immediately.
During preliminary investigations, the man admitted to abetting the illegal departure of the woman, who wanted to return to China as she could not find employment in Singapore.
He said he was approached by a Malaysian man named 'Chew' to help convey illegal offenders out of Singapore. He agreed, as he needed to pay gambling debts of about $10,000. He was promised payment of $800 for each successful attempt.
He then met 'Chew' at Serangoon area, where he picked up the woman who was made to stay in the boot from Serangoon all the way till the Woodlands Checkpoint.
The two are now currently under investigation for the offences. The vehicle has also been obtained and may be liable for forfeiture.
The penalties for overstaying or illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane, while the penalties for illegal departure is a fine of up to $2,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.
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Amongst the many nationalities in Singapore, PRCs contribute to the most social/public nuisance.
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"Chew"
