Resident Found Wallet & Gave to Condo Security Guard; Guard Pocketed the Wallet Instead

Security Guard’s Betrayal: How Trust Was Broken Over a Lost Wallet

One of the friendliest “uncles” we encounter growing up is often the familiar face of the security guard.

These unsung heroes protect our condominiums from bee attacks and sometimes are the victims that endure residents’ unkind treatments.

In other words, we tend not to suspect them of any wrongdoing.

However, an incident has come to light involving a security guard at a condominium who stands accused of pocketing a resident’s wallet.

Wallet Initially Picked Up By An Honest Passer-By

The story begins when a 46-year-old resident of The Alcove Condominium accidentally dropped his Louis Vuitton (LV) wallet on 27 Aug last year.

He realised that he had lost his wallet and keys at the condominium’s entrance.

As we all know, it’s easy to misplace items in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Thankfully, Singapore is generally safe from pickpockets and thieves – or at least that’s what we would like to think.

In this case, a passer-by found the resident’s wallet and handed it over to the 56-year-old Singaporean security guard, Mr Murugaiya, who was manning the security desk at the time.

However, the plot thickens.

Security Guard Stole $490 From The Wallet

Instead of safeguarding the wallet and promptly returning it, Mr Murugaiya helped himself to $490 from the wallet while it was in his possession.

The LV wallet, valued at $1800, originally contained $500 in cash.

The victim discovered his lost wallet the following day and reported it to Mr Murugaya and his supervisor.

Mr Murugaiya was compelled to sign a statement acknowledging that he had the wallet in his possession and returned it to its owner.

However, he returned the wallet with only $10 remaining, and the missing $490 was never recovered.

Admitted To Stealing, But Did Not Return The Money

Mr Murugaiya eventually admitted to taking the wallet but made no attempt to reimburse the stolen money.

Subsequently, the victim filed a police report, leading to Mr Murugaiya’s arrest in December 2023.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Ashley Poh pointed out that Mr Murugaiya had violated the high degree of trust placed in him as a security officer responsible for the safety of the premises and residents, according to CNA.

This responsibility naturally extended to the safety of residents’ belongings.

Although Mr Murugaiya eventually returned the wallet, his initial denial of the theft exploited the trust that came with his role as a security guard.

The wallet was only returned after the victim engaged in a conversation with Mr Murugaiya and his supervisor.

The total value of the item misappropriated before Mr Murugaiya was confronted is at least S$2,300 in value.

For criminal breach of trust by dishonest misappropriation, Mr Murugaiya could have faced up to seven years in jail, fines, or both.

In the end, he received a three-week jail sentence on 3 Jan for his actions, underscoring the seriousness of the crime.