Jail for 2 visitors who conspired to cheat shops but later backed out

Linked to a syndicate, they intended to buy luxury goods with stolen credit card info

- Shaffiq Alkhatib

Two Chinese nationals linked to a syndicate entered Singapore on Nov 5 with the intention to cheat shops by buying luxury goods with stolen credit card information, but backed out of the plan.

Li Xueqi and Xu Zhaochen, both 36, obtained images of fake passports to be used as proof of identity during the purchases. They also met two alleged accomplices - fellow Chinese nationals Zhao Yongzhi, 28, and Zhang Tianyu, 29 - in Singapore.

After learning about the specifics of the plan, Xu backed out, followed by Li. All four men were eventually arrested.

On Dec 20, Li, who had roped in Xu to take part in the scheme, was sentenced to 15 weeks' jail, while Xu was given eight weeks' jail.

Both pleaded guilty to one count each of being part of a criminal conspiracy by agreeing with others to commit cheating by personation.

The cases involving Zhao and Zhang are pending.

District Judge Koo Zhi Xuan said that the predominant sentencing consideration in cases involving syndicated transnational credit card fraud is deterrence.