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Man Who Went Around MRT Stations to Borrow Money from Strangers Sentenced to 14 Months’ Jail

2023-09-06 , 9:57 pm

People often say that there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Well, a 27-year-old named Byron Yeaw Li Xun thinks otherwise. He got more than just a couple of free lunches by going around MRT stations to borrow money from strangers.

Of course, he made his payment using another medium—jail time.

Man Who Went Around MRT Stations Borrowing Money From Strangers Sentenced to 14 Months’ Jail

On Tuesday (5 September), Byron Yeaw Li Xun was sentenced to 14 months’ jail after he pleaded guilty to four charges of cheating, with three other charges taken into consideration for sentencing.

So, why exactly was he charged with cheating?

As it turns out, the 27-year-old cheated strangers of approximately $17,000 by borrowing money from these kind samaritans around MRT stations.

Hm. Cool business plan.

On top of that, Yeaw was also sentenced to an additional 46 days’ jail for breaching his remission order—slightly more than two months earlier, he was granted remission while jiak kali png-ing for similar cheating offences.

Man Sentenced to One Year in Jail Last Year for Cheating Strangers of $28,000

Let’s take a look at Yeaw’s cheating “career” chronologically.

In September 2022, the 27-year-old was sentenced to one year’s jail for cheating strangers of approximately $28,000. He cheated a total of 78 people, most of whom were students.

Perhaps the Gen Zs were too busy scrolling TikTok to realise this man was out to cheat their money.

But here’s what everyone’s been waiting for: how the man convinced so many unsuspecting strangers to give him money.

Aside from convincing his victims to give him money for living expenses, he would also tell his victims that he was in a rush and needed money to cover his transport expenses.

Rushing to go where? To go to prison ah?

Anyway, Yeaw was granted a remission order from 31 October last year to 27 February this year. This means that he was released despite yet having to complete his one-year jail term; of course, this is subject to the condition that Yeaw must not breach his remission order.

Reoffending during his remission period would amount to a breach of his remission order. And if he does breach his remission order, he has to go back to prison to jiak kali png lor.

Although Yeaw only had one job, he couldn’t do it—he breached his remission order, which explains the additional 46 days’ jail he now has to serve on top of his sentence for his “round two” of cheating offences.

Approximately $6,000 “Borrowed” From the First Victim

Now, moving to the case at hand, where Yeaw was sentenced to 14 months’ jail.

The 27-year-old had three key victims contributing to the hefty sum of $17,000 he managed to acquire as his “free lunch”.

First up, we have 23-year-old Eugene Tan.

On 13 January, when Yeaw was out on remission, he saw his opportunity at Bishan MRT station. And, of course, he decided to strike.

The 27-year-old approached Mr Eugene Tan and asked for a $3,000 loan so that he could pay his “outstanding bills and transport expenses”.

Yeaw promised Mr Tan he would return the sum in monthly instalments and even sweetened the deal by offering to return Mr Tan an additional $200.

Convinced by Yeaw, Mr Tan loaned him $3,000 cash. Yet, this was far from the end.

Two days later, Yeaw and Mr Tan met at Buangkok MRT, and Yeaw convinced the stranger to loan him another $3,000. This time, Yeaw’s reason was that he needed more money to pay his outstanding bills.

Spoiler alert: Yeaw used the money on gambling instead and lost all the money.

$6,000, down the drain. Regardless, Mr Tan was fortunately sharp enough to lodge a police report against Yeaw on the same day.

More Than $9,000 “Borrowed” From Second Victim

The next fighter: 22-year-old Mr Alvin Yu, whom Yeaw met at Paya Lebar MRT station on 1 February.

Yeaw had approached Mr Yu asking to borrow $5,000 so he could sort out his “family issues”. Mr Yu agreed.

Here at Goody Feed, we’re just surprised Yeaw didn’t say he needed money for a family dinner, his grandmother’s birthday gift, his daughter’s education, or something along those lines.

Two days later, Yeaw again approached Mr Yu for more money, citing the same “family issues” narrative. Mr Yu transferred $4,000 to Yeaw via PayNow.

Mr Yu also, unfortunately, transferred money to Yeaw on another two occasions on top of the initial $9,000 loan.

Tharman and his supporters weren’t the first to champion pineapples and the “heng, ong, huat” mentality. Yeaw seems to be the original trailblazer, albeit through questionable means.

$2,000 “Borrowed” From Third Victim

And finally, Yeaw’s last victim before he finally got caught by the authorities. Introducing 21-year-old Mr Jerry Wong, whom Yeaw met at Tanah Merah MRT station a few weeks after meeting Mr Yu.

Bishan MRT, Buangkok MRT, Paya Lebar MRT, and now Tanah Merah MRT. Money might not grow on trees, but it does seem to come quickly from MRT stations.

This time, Yeaw approached Mr Wong asking for a $2,000 loan so that he could care for his “severely ill” parents.

The excuses, macam the excuses I use to skip class sia.

Sympathising with Yeaw and convinced by Yeaw’s offer to repay the $2,000 sum within a month, Mr Wong decided to lend $2,000 to the 27-year-old.

The sum was transferred via PayNow.

While Yeaw might have initially celebrated his success, it’s clear that success does not last forever—Mr Wong lodged a police report after Yeaw “ghosted” him a month later. Police eventually arrested Yeaw, landing him with the 14-month jail sentence he has today.

Going back to the saying that there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world, I guess it’s true. You always have to pay one way or another—let’s hope you’re not paying the same way Yeaw is paying.