Updated: 12/16/2013 15:49 | By Channel NewsAsia
SAF personnel jailed, fined for helping loan sharks
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SINGAPORE: A Singapore Armed Forces Master Sergeant was on Monday put behind bars for five months, and ordered to pay a S$60,000 fine for helping unlicensed moneylending activities.
30-year-old Tock Yong Keng admitted to helping two loan sharks in their illegal moneylending operations through various means, including opening a bank account under his name to facilitate the activities.
Tock also admitted to roping in Private Ryan Thomas Misson, who was working under his charge at Pasir Laba Camp, to help in ATM fund transfers.
The five offences were committed between May and August 2013.
The prosecution proceeded on two charges.
During the hearing, the court was told that Tock had taken loans of about S$20,000 from 40 different unlicensed moneylenders to feed his soccer-betting habit.
Having had difficulties in repaying his loans, Tock was approached by the loan sharks to help with electronic fund transfers.
Tock would open up a bank account under his name or under 19-year-old Mr Misson's name to facilitate the transfers.
Pointing out that Tock had abused his authority and got help from Mr Misson, the prosecution said it is an aggravated case.
Prosecutor Amanda Chong said the benchmark in such cases is one to three months' jail on each count.
But defence lawyer Ravinderpal Singh argued that Tock had helped in the illegal activities because he feared for the safety of his family and wife, who was pregnant at that time.
Mr Ravinderpal added that his client landed himself in this situation due to his gambling addiction and is now seeking counselling to kick his habit.
The court also heard that Tock has no money to pay the fine so in default, he will go to jail for another two months. - CNA/gn
