A 2016 Scoop: The Car Dealer’s Web of Missteps
In the spring of 2016, Li Jixian—yes, a 25‑year‑old car salesman from Singapore—meets an 11‑year‑old Vietnamese girl on a popular messaging app called WeChat. What starts as a casual “friend‑zone” conversation quickly turns into a grave violation that landed Li in court.
Phase One: A Play‑Ground Prank
- Li and the girl chat for a few days, then meet in August 2016 at a small shelter next to a playground in eastern Singapore.
- During that first meetup, they stroll, talk, give a friendly hug and briefly kiss each other in the park’s shade.
- Afterwards, they keep the buzz alive through WeChat, exchanging text and images.
Phase Two: The Unwise Escalation
- Two months later, the pair regroup at the same shelter. Li leads the girl to a behind‑the‑bin area, where they cross the line into sexual activity.
- In July, Li and the girl meet again, this time at a residential block the girl’s neighbors live in. They meet at a staircase landing and again part ways with exactly the same regrettable outcome.
How the Skirmish Was Exposed
The minor’s mother filed a police report in mid‑August 2016, declaring her daughter had been raped. The police investigation unfolded, and the case entered the courts.
Defense’s Claim
During the trial, defense counsel Henry Lim briefed the judge that the girl had lied, telling him she was 17. Lim argued that Li “did not take steps to verify the truth.” He urged the judge for a lighter sentence than the prosecution’s three‑year jail.
Prosecution’s Stance
DPP Asoka Markandu reminded the court that, as an adult, Li had a duty to confirm the girl’s age before engaging in any sexual activity. He pointed out that Li could face up to 20 years in prison and heavy fines or caning if convicted on each count.
Verdict & Aftermath
- Li pleaded guilty on Thursday, November 22, to two counts of unlawful sexual penetration of an under‑age girl.
- He was sentenced to three years in jail.
- Li was released on a $10,000 bail and ordered to surrender himself to the State Courts on January 4 to begin serving his sentence.
In a stark reminder that social media can quickly blur the line between harmless chatter and dangerous encounters, this case underscores how critical it is to verify background information—especially when minors are involved.
