Alleged kidnappers now face multiple extortion charges
The trio were allegedly linked to a kidnapping case in Malaysia last month.
Benjamin Ling Jialiang, 25, Fong Ling Ling, 45, and Judy Wee Aye Fong, 52, were charged in Singapore on Feb 26 with one count each of attempted extortion involving US$250,000 (S$346,000).
Yesterday, the court heard that they allegedly committed the offence multiple times last month. They now face additional charges.
According to court documents, Wee, who is a Singaporean, allegedly attempted to extort the money from a man identified as Mr Anthony Ng Moi Keng between 5pm and 6.55pm on Feb 22.
She is accused of intentionally putting him in fear by threatening to harm siblings Kenneth Ng Chee How and Gabriel Ng Chia How if her demand was not met.
Court papers did not mention how Mr Anthony Ng is related to the two brothers.
EXTORTION ATTEMPT
By using the same threat, Wee and Ling, who is also a Singaporean, allegedly tried to extort the same amount for the second time from Mr Anthony Ng the next day between 5.15pm and 5.25pm.
About two hours later, the pair allegedly worked together with Fong to try to extort the money from Ms Crystal Lim Chew Kwan, who is engaged to one of the brothers.
Between 9.15pm and 9.25pm that day, Wee and Fong, a Singapore permanent resident, allegedly attempted to extort the US$250,000 from Ms Lim a second time.
Of the three, only Ling was represented by a lawyer, Mr Josephus Tan.
No bail was offered to the three accused and they will be back in court on March 18.
The maximum punishment for attempted extortion is five years' jail. Ling can also be caned if convicted of the offence.
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