George Yang, Author at Goody Feed

Six Singaporean men have been fined a combined total of $1.27 million for running an illegal short-term accommodation scheme across 31 private residential properties between July 2018 and November 2021. Robin Koh Guohui, 41, the operation's mastermind, received the largest penalty of $1,144,902 when he was sentenced on 15 Sep 2025. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) described Koh as the "key player" behind the unauthorised accommodation business. The Criminal Network Koh recruited four accomplices to join his operation in exchange for monthly salaries: Pandy Lim En Xiang, 33, Chew Lam Yong, 61, Low Ah Tee, 81, and Chua Lian Beng, 71. A sixth man, Ryan Chow Yan Kit, 34, was also involved in the scheme. The five other men received fines ranging from $8,000 to $32,500 and were sentenced between August 2024 and March 2025. Lim received the second-highest fine of $24,500 on 27 Mar 2025, while Chua received the lowest penalty of $8,000 on 29 Aug 2024. Koh operated as the sole director of SG Auto Car Pte Ltd, later renamed SG Bizloan Consultant in July 2021. Each of his four recruited accomplices served as directors of separate companies at different times: KCA, Edrich Group, Ed Werks Holdings and ANZ Management Services. Acting on Koh's instructions, these directors signed tenancy agreements for 31 private residential units that Koh had sourced. The properties were then advertised on platforms including Airbnb and HomeAway for stays shorter than three consecutive months. Digital Deception Koh used multiple bank accounts, mobile phone numbers and host accounts registered under various aliases across the online platforms. All rental payments from guests went directly to Koh, who orchestrated the entire operation. The illegal activities came to light when a private residential development's management council reported suspected short-term accommodation use at one unit rented by Edrich Group. URA then expanded its investigation after receiving feedback from residents and managing agents at other developments. Singapore's Planning Act requires a minimum stay duration of three consecutive months for private residential properties. This rule prevents frequent tenant turnover that could alter a property's residential character and affect neighbouring residents. Property owners who convert their homes for short-term accommodation without URA approval face fines up to $200,000 per charge. Repeat offenders may receive additional sentences of up to 12 months imprisonment. Enforcement Crackdown URA development control group director Martin Tan said the authority takes a serious view of unauthorised short-term accommodation use. The agency will continue investigating such cases and taking strict enforcement action against all parties involved, including those facilitating revenue transfers or sourcing properties and occupants. Since 2019, a total of 71 offenders have been fined for providing illegal short-term stays in Singapore. Of these, 64 were penalised for operating in private properties, while another 15 were prosecuted in court. Recent Enforcement Actions The current case represents one of the largest financial penalties imposed for illegal short-term rentals in Singapore. In previous cases, two former property agents were each fined $60,000 for providing illegal short-term stays at a Bukit Timah condominium. A separate case in March 2025 saw a company offering service apartments charged alongside its deputy CEO and two directors for allegedly providing illegal short-term accommodation at properties across Singapore. Members of the public can report suspected cases of illegal short-term accommodation through URA's official website.