Four men to be charged over alleged mortgage loan fraud involving property owner's home

Four men in their 20s and 30s will face charges in Singapore courts on Tuesday (Nov 10) for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to fraudulently secure over S$6 million (US$4.68 million) in mortgage loans. The men allegedly obtained loans without the knowledge of a residential property owner by using forged documents. The case emerged on April 3 following the discovery of a caveat filed against the property due to an unauthorized loan application.

Preliminary investigations unveiled the use of fraudulent documents in loan applications, with the property owner's home serving as collateral. Further probing revealed that a 39-year-old man impersonated the homeowner and used forged identity documents to help secure the loans. A 27-year-old man is accused of luring the homeowner away from his residence twice under false pretenses.

During the owner's absence, a 29-year-old facilitated access to the property for valuations, while a 36-year-old allegedly arranged for a forged identity card to be issued for the scheme.

The four men were apprehended during a two-day operation by the Bedok Police Division on April 14 and 15. Among the seized items were a forged identity document and mobile phones. Authorities are still working to find the remaining suspect. The charges against the accused include abetment of cheating, possession of forged identity cards, and using forged electronic records. Consequences for these offenses can result in up to 10 years in prison, fines, or caning.