Published on Apr 08, 2015
Man, 34, threatened to expose sexual relationship with older male teacher, extorted $197,000
By Lim Yi Han
SINGAPORE - A 34-year-old man had a sexual relationship with an older male teacher, and threatened to expose their trysts to the Ministry of Education (MOE) and his partner's school.
Singaporean Vincent Ng allegedly extorted $197,000 in cash and valuables including four Chanel bags and a Rolex watch from the 45-year-old teacher, in exchange for his silence.
Ng was charged in court on Wednesday and faces eight charges of extortion. His victim cannot be named because of a gag order.
Ng allegedly threatened the victim, via text messages, to disclose their sexual relationship to MOE and his school.
He made the threats between September 2013 and March last year.
On Sept 18, 2013, he asked for $37,000 in cash and a gold chain worth about $8,600.
Two days later, he sent another message demanding $70,000 in cash and a Chanel bag with a value of $3,900.
That same month, he demanded more cash and items such as a Rolex watch worth nearly $15,000 and three more Chanel bags on four other occasions. In total, he extorted $197,000 in cash and valuables amounting to about $51,800.
Ng appeared calm as the charges were read out, and told the court he intends to plead guilty but wishes to engage a lawyer for mitigation purposes.
He is out on a $20,000 bail, and his case will be mentioned again on April 20.
If convicted of extortion, he faces a jail term of between two and seven years, and caning.
