Semi‑Chronicles of a Con King: Tan Chip Huat’s Grand Scam
Who’s the culprit? 49‑year‑old Tan Chip Huat, once a modest cleaner earning under $2,000 a month, turned into a master of deceit. After a 7‑year stint in Singapore’s corrective training system (2013‑2020), he returned to the streets and pulled off a fresh haul of over $72,000 from at least ten unsuspecting ladies.
How the scam unfolded
From January to August of last year, Tan posted slick ads on the online classifieds site Locanto, claiming he was a high‑flying finance pro bringing home about $60,000 a month. The promised sugar‑baby lifestyle was irresistible for many.
In reality, Tan was a jobless drifter when he started making the offers. He used the classic “money first, then the parties meet” trick, promising cash that never materialised.
- January 4: He hooked a 17‑year‑old student with a $5,000 a month sweet‑deal and an offer to pay $20,000 for her tuition. After a single unprotected rendezvous at D’Hotel Singapore, all promised money vanished.
- Later that month: The same teen introduced him to a sales promoter who, in exchange for $1,000, agreed to deal. Yet again, Tan missed the payment after a quick fling.
- January 13: By then, the teen was in a panic and introduced Tan to a social escort (her close friend) who agreed to sex for $500. Despite the cheer‑mix of “you can expose me,” Tan still didn’t pay the $3,000 he promised.
- July: He targeted a 23‑year‑old social escort with promises of $6,000 a month and even tried a bounced cheque. She promptly alerted the police on July 19.
- Another victim in July: Tu a 25‑year‑old woman on Locanto, Tan skulked off $11,000 and spent it on iPhones using her credit card. Whether she was a sex worker remains unclear.
Charges and the courtroom drama
On Monday, July 25, Tan pleaded guilty to seven charges covering five victims, with a total debt of around $46,000. The remaining thirteen charges – each tied to the other five women – will be part of the sentencing discussion.
The judge is on a mission: instruct a thorough report to decide if Tan is fit for another stint of corrective training. Because Tan is a repeat offender, the usual one‑third remission for good behaviour doesn’t apply. The maximum sentence? Up to ten years in prison and a hefty fine per count.
Notable victims
Among the damages are three 17‑year‑olds who actually knew each other – a sad bit of teenage internet romance turned scam.
The judge’s warning is clear: cheating can’t be a side hustle. If you think this is all just a joke, you’ve got a long walk to the courthouse ahead.
Heads‑up: this story originated in the Straits Times (exact citation not included here). The real workhouse of fraud has closed its doors, but the tale still has a few more pages left to be written.
