Crystal Jade Fine Dining CEO appears in court to face company's tax charge

On Tuesday, October 27, the CEO of Crystal Jade Fine Dining, Mr Ivan Swa, made his way to court to contest a tax charge against his company. The subsidiary of Crystal Jade had been charged in May with a single count under the Income Tax Act for not submitting a complete income return for the 2025 assessment year by the deadline of November 30.

Crystal Jade had recently hired a lawyer, Mr Leong Kit Weng of Shook Lin & Bok, who requested a 30-day adjournment to allow the company ample time to complete the necessary filings and settle an outstanding composition fine of S$2,000 (approximately US$1,561). A composition fine is an out-of-court penalty that, when paid, can potentially lead to the dismissal of the related charge.

The prosecutor did not contest the adjournment, and the judge agreed to postpone the case until November 24, after which the company is expected to pay the remaining fine. For not submitting an income return, an individual could face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to S$5,000. Financial advisory firm Kroll reported last month that their representatives had been appointed as receivers over Crystal Jade Culinary Concepts Holding and Crystal Jade Culinary Concepts Holding (Great China).

Despite these legal troubles, Crystal Jade restaurants have continued to operate and serve diners, according to Kroll. Earlier this month, the company closed four outlets in Singapore, leaving nine restaurants in operation. In a related move, Crystal Jade terminated notices were issued to around 120 workers across the affected locations, affecting some corporate functions.

In addition, Crystal Jade Food Manufacturing, the group's central kitchen in Singapore, ceased operations in early October.