Charge withdrawn for man accused of helping alleged crime syndicate members

A man accused of helping three Chinese nationals, who were allegedly linked to a global syndicate that conducted malicious cyber activities, has walked free after his charge was withdrawn on May 21.

- Shaffiq Alkhatib

District Judge Ng Cheng Thiam granted Mr Goh Shi Yong, 35, a discharge amounting to an acquittal following a pre-trial conference that day.

This means the Singaporean cannot be charged again over the same offence.

Without revealing details, the Attorney-General's Chambers told The Straits Times on May 26: "The charge pertained to Goh's alleged assistance to obtain residential internet access subscriptions for other accused persons.

"After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the matter, Goh's charge was withdrawn, and the prosecution applied for (the discharge). This was granted by the court on May 21."

Mr Goh had been accused of helping Liu Yuqi, 33, Huang Qin Zheng, 36, and Yan Peijian, 39, subscribe to two Singtel broadband plans for a house in Mount Sinai Avenue near Holland Road where the trio lived.