Indian-Origin CEO Chander Agarwal Loses Singapore Court Battle Over ₹3.5 Crore Spent On Ex-Girlfriend

Business magnate Chander Agarwal, the CEO of logistics firm TCI Express Limited, has lost a legal battle in Singapore over a sum of nearly $370,000 spent on his ex-girlfriend Felicia Lee. The businessman had sought repayment of the funds, arguing that they were interest-free loans. However, the court ruled against him, determining that the money was primarily gifts exchanged during the relationship.

Agarwal and Lee first met in a flight in 2019 and began dating in September 2022. Their relationship ended in December 2023 following an alleged infidelity by Lee. While together, Agarwal splurged on her with luxury items from renowned brands, lavish travel, overseas holidays, and personal expenses paid through his credit cards. He also covered a S$17,000 feng shui consultant for Lee's residence.

The court noted that Agarwal arranged for the feng shui service personally and failed to provide sufficient proof that the payments were indeed loans. Despite various WhatsApp messages exchanged between the couple, there was no evidence supporting Agarwal's claim that Lee had borrowed money or agreed to repay it. The judge described Agarwal as "smitten" with Lee, who willingly showered her with gifts during their relationship.

Once the relationship dissolved, Agarwal became "embittered" and determined to extract payment from Lee. Consequently, the court dismissed his claim and ordered him to bear Lee's legal costs.