World · Singapore Bureau
Autism centre director jailed for S$24,750 fraud against social agency
Steven Tan Teck Liang falsely claimed housing costs for foreign workers who never occupied the premises, defrauding a social service provider of tens of thousands of dollars.
LSN Singapore ·
A director of an autism day activity centre has been imprisoned after deceiving a social service agency into disbursing S$24,750 for accommodation that was never utilised. Steven Tan Teck Liang submitted fraudulent claims for rent and a deposit purportedly for six foreign workers to occupy his mother's flat, despite the workers never residing there.
The social service agency released the funds based on Tan's misrepresentations regarding the housing arrangement. Investigators determined that the accommodation was not provided as claimed, resulting in the substantial financial loss to the organisation.
Tan's position as director of the autism centre came under scrutiny during the investigation. The case highlights vulnerabilities in financial oversight mechanisms within social service organisations and the potential for abuse of trust by those in management positions.
The conviction underscores authorities' commitment to pursuing fraud cases involving misappropriation of funds intended for vulnerable populations and social welfare purposes.