Laotian in million-dollar casino cheating case applies to travel overseas

[Clark]

Laotian in million-dollar casino cheating case applies to travel overseas

By Claire Huang
POSTED: 10 Jun 2013 1:12 PM

SINGAPORE: A Laotian businessman accused of cheating the Marina Bay Sands casino of almost S$1.2 million is asking for permission to travel overseas.

Sengmanivong Soum, 50, asked the court through his lawyer, Shashi Nathan, for permission to travel overseas to settle personal matters.

The court will make a decision on 13 June.

The Laotian is currently out on a S$1 million bail.

He is one of 14 individuals said to have colluded to win cash chips worth S$1.2 million while playing baccarat at the casino on May 7 between 2.50am and 6am.

The group consisted of another 13 Thai nationals.

The cases of two Thai nationals were also mentioned on Monday.

They are expected back in court on 9 July.

- CNA/jc

 

[StarshipTroopers]

Laotian businessman accused of cheating casino allowed overseas travel

POSTED: 13 Jun 2013 8:40 PM

SINGAPORE: A Laotian businessman accused of cheating the Marina Bay Sands casino of almost S$1.2 million has been granted permission to go back to Vientiane, Laos until the next court date.

On Monday, Sengmanivong Soum, 50, asked the court through his lawyer, Shashi Nathan, for permission to go overseas to be with his family and attend to personal matters.

A key point of contention between the defence and the prosecution was the Laotian's flight risk.

The prosecution pointed out that the accused has high flight risk as he has no roots, no property, no family member or business interest in Singapore.

It added that the offence was committed by a syndicated network and authorities are still trying to hunt down other parties involved.

Prosecutor Paul Cheong said this might be the largest syndicated offence of its kind.

He added that the accused played a key role in the offence.

Mr Nathan argued that due to the complexity of the charges, trial hearing would probably be held in the last quarter of 2013, at the earliest, or in the first quarter of 2014.

He pointed out that it is unfair for his client to stay in Singapore until then.

Mr Nathan also said there is no real reason for the accused to abscond as he is contesting the charges.

After an hour-long hearing, the court allowed the accused to go home from 14 June till 8 July.

But his bail amount has been doubled to S$2 million, from S$1 million previously.

The court also ordered the accused to remain contactable during his trip.

He is one of 14 individuals said to have colluded to win cash chips worth S$1.2 million while playing baccarat at the casino on May 7 between 2.50am and 6am.

Of the group, 13 are Thai nationals.

- CNA/xq