Chew Eng Han’s “Sneak‑Out” Scheme Scratched Out by the Court
In a scene that could have been straight out of a thriller, the former City Harvest Church (CHC) leader has been found guilty of trying to phase out of Singapore without the authorities seeing it.
What the Judge Decided
- District Judge Victor Yeo slammed Chew, 58, on 12 December with a verdict that not only confirms his earlier convictions but also that he was planning to escape jail by hopping a motorised boat.
- The alleged escape attempt took place at the Pulau Ubin jetty on 21 Feb, a day after a midnight call that had Chew hopping into the back of a family car for a ferry‑crash.
- Chew will see the court again on 29 Jan next year – no evading this time.
Behind the “Unauthorized Exodus” Plot
During the trial on 24 Sept, Chew confessed that he was “feeling wronged” by the High Court’s ruling on misused church funds. He’d even told investigators he didn’t want to be convicted. Bold move, but the justice system had other plans.
The plan included:
- Off‑grid boat ride to fish farms in Singapore waters, close to the Malaysia border.
- Midnight phone call alerting him to jump off the jetty at 7.30 am, with his older brother giving the lift.
- Two‑hour window at the Pulau Ubin jetty—Chew, wrapped up in a low‑profile scheme, was intercepted at 8.19 am.
Other “Cuckoo” Players in the CHC Chaos
- Five CHC leaders, including founder‑pastor Kong Hee, have been in jail since April.
- Chew’s own term started on 1 March following his capture near Pulau Ubin.
- Additionally, a Singaporean fish farm owner Tan Poh Teck and two Malaysians (Tan Kim Ho and Khoo Kea Leng) got jail time for their roles in the ripple of misusing church money.
Quick Facts
- Chew’s earlier conviction: 3 years + 4 months for misusing millions in church funds.
- Co‑captured Tan Poh Teck: 27 weeks’ jail.
- Malaysian offenders: 6 months’ jail each.
The Straits Times reports that the story has been relayed to us with the standard reminder that reproduction requires permission.
