Last Updated on 2023-11-21 , 11:08 am
Man from Singapore Slapped with a $1.4 Million Fine for Illegally Renting Out 19 Properties
In the bustling city-state of Singapore, where the cost of living is sky-high, many are seeking alternative ways to earn extra income. Some turn to freelance work, others to content creation, and the financially savvy might dabble in investments or trading. Renting out properties can also be a lucrative option, as Too Kim Lin discovered, albeit in a rather unconventional and illegal way.
At 53, Too Kim Lin took the property rental game to a whole new level, renting out 19 properties for short-term stays to both locals and tourists. This audacious move outshone property agent Joel Su Jiqing, who was charged for illegally renting out six properties in 2019.
For those not in the know, the Urban Development Authority (URA) states that short-term rentals in residential properties for periods of less than three months are illegal in Singapore. This regulation aims to safeguard the safety, privacy, and security of residential areas and minimize disruption caused by the constant flux of short-term visitors.
Too’s audacious venture landed him a hefty fine of S$1,428,000 by a district court for offences under the Planning Act.
The Intricacies of His Illicit Operation
According to a report by CNA , Too scoured rental platforms like PropertyGuru to find more properties in the financial district to lease for his illegal enterprise.
He cleverly used proxies, including his older brother and mother, to sign tenancy agreements on his behalf. Once he secured the tenancies, he sublet the units by advertising them on platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway. The rent proceeds were then used to cover the monthly lease payments of the respective properties.
His operation even involved his family members and former maids, who were tasked with running errands like replenishing supplies in the units.
His Crafty Measures to Evade Detection
Managing 19 different properties is no small feat, and it begs the question: how did Too manage to run such a vast illegal operation without getting caught?
The answer lies in his use of seven different mobile numbers.
Yes, you read that right, seven.
Three of these numbers were used to liaise with property agents, allowing him to pose as different individuals. A separate SIM card was even used by his accomplice to communicate with guests.
Guests were also instructed to meet him or his accomplice near the area so they could be escorted to the property via a carpark or another entrance, thereby cleverly avoiding security.
This strategic operation netted him a revenue of S$1.47 million. After deducting the expenditures from lease payments, his total profit was a staggering S$768,000.
Too Faces a Choice: Pay the Fine or Serve a 142-Week Jail Term
If Too fails to pay the S$1.4 million fine, he will face the grim prospect of incarceration.
There was considerable debate between the prosecution and the defence regarding the appropriate fine and jail term.
The prosecution pushed for a fine between S$1.54 million and S$1.76 million, aiming to strip away the illegal revenue and punish the offender.
The defence lawyers, however, argued for a lesser fine of S$756,860.
The defence claimed that a further sum of $121,140, which were “necessary expenses” such as utilities, internet and cleaning fees, and forfeited rental security deposits, should be deducted. However, the council stated that no records of these expenses were kept.
The defence also highlighted Too’s circumstances as a motivating factor for his actions. He was retrenched in 2018 and lost his stable income. He also had to pay his ex-wife $7,000 per month for child support and support his elderly mother who resides in an old folks home.
The prosecution suggested that one week’s jail be imposed for every S$8,800 worth of fines, whereas the defence requested for a “conversion rate” where one week’s worth of jail would be equivalent to a S$10,000 fine.
In the end, the judge sided with the defence and sentenced Too to 142 weeks of jail (if he didn’t pay the fine), which is roughly 2 years and 8 months. However, this sentence is currently suspended as Too intends to appeal against his conviction.
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