Lim Tean faces seven charges after fleeing to Malaysia without passport to avoid prison

Singaporean lawyer Lim Tean was charged with seven offenses on October 9, 2026, for his unlawful departure from the country without a passport to evade prison. The Commercial Affairs Department (CAD)'s charges include failing to surrender to custody at the State Courts on August 3, 2026, and leaving Singapore without presenting a valid passport or identification.

Lim Tean's legal issues began between May and September 2022, including charges of criminal breach of trust, unlawful stalking, refusing to answer a public servant, and operating as an unauthorized attorney or solicitor. His passport was forfeited as part of his bail condition. In July 2024, Lim Tean was convicted of three charges under the Legal Profession Act and sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment and a S$1,000 fine.

His sentence was later increased to three months and one week in February 2026. Lim Tean appealed to the Court of Appeal, but his request was denied, and he was ordered to surrender on July 20, 2026. A new surrender date was set for August 3, 2026, but Lim Tean failed to appear, resulting in a warrant of arrest. He was subsequently arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police on August 6, 2026, and handed over to the Singapore Police Force.

The offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment terms of up to seven years. Two other men, aged 38 and 45, have also been charged for their role in facilitating Lim Tean's illegal exit. Their court proceedings are still ongoing.