Sun Xueling: Sentences in S$3B money laundering case comparable to other jurisdictions

Sentences handed down in the S$3 billion money laundering case are in line with those imposed in other jurisdictions, according to Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development.

She noted that S$3 billion money laundering case encompasses a variety of amounts and charges. For instance, Su Haijin, one of the Fujian-origin convicted, was sentenced to 13 months and 6 months of imprisonment for two counts of money laundering involving approximately S$1.4 million, with these sentences to run concurrently.

She highlighted that S$165 million, or about 95 percent of the assets linked to Su and his wife, were forfeited to the State.

Ms Sun made this statement in response to a Parliamentary Question filed by Leader of the Opposition Mr Pritam Singh during the parliamentary session on 2 July.

In a supplementary question, Mr Singh referred to the term "Singapore washing" that has emerged in media reports over the past two years, questioning whether the Inter-Ministerial Committee would address claims that Singapore is being used as a conduit for money laundering.

Ms Sun affirmed that the Inter-Ministerial Committee is rigorously working to prevent the abuse of corporate structures in Singapore by money launderers.

Additionally, she mentioned the importance of other gatekeepers in the system, such as real estate agents, lawyers, precious stones and metals dealers, and corporate service providers, in guarding against potential money laundering activities.