Jail for director after firm's bank account receives $2m in crime proceeds

Wanting "quick cash", a director of a company allowed others to control its bank account, which was later used to receive crime proceeds totalling nearly US$1.68 million (S$2.15 million).

- Shaffiq Alkhatib

In an unrelated incident, Alson Tong Shao Tian, 37, also rained blows on another man.

On June 16, the Singaporean, who used to be known as Tong Kok Liang, was sentenced to one year, three months and two weeks' jail. He was also fined $4,000. He had pleaded guilty to assault, performing an act that could obstruct the course of justice, and one charge linked to money laundering.

His company, Ambite, categorised by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority as providing "management consultancy services and wholesale trade", was fined $10,000 over a charge relating to money laundering.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Grace Teo told the court that Ambite was incorporated on Feb 3, 2021.

Three months later, an acquaintance of Tong's known as Mr Pavel Kuznetsov asked if Tong could get other parties to act as "nominee directors" for various companies in Singapore.

According to Mr Kuznetsov, these companies would then be sold to Mr Kuznetsov's foreign clients. Court documents did not disclose details about Mr Kuznetsov.