“Unknown” Man Allegedly Overstayed in S’pore for 20 Years; Prosecution Cannot Find His True Identity

How do you convict someone whose identity remains shrouded in mystery to the court? 

In a truly baffling court case that perplexed even the judge, a man whose identity was listed as “Unknown” has overstayed in Singapore for more than 20 years. 

Here’s all that you need to know about this mysterious man.

“Unknown” Man Allegedly Overstayed in S’pore for 20 Years; Prosecution Cannot Find His True Identity

The man, alleged to be 67 years old from Sri Lanka, was initially charged earlier this year under the name Mahesh Pathmanathan. 

However, according to the prosecuting officer from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the passport that the man was carrying, which had the name Mahesh Pathmanathan, has been declared invalid. 

The man had apparently used several documents, all with different names. The prosecution had difficulties in uncovering the man’s true identity. 

The prosecution sought to proceed on the immigration charge for overstaying in Singapore with his identity established as “Unknown”. 

However, District Judge Adam Nakhoda expressed confused concerns about this course of action, questioning, “How do we proceed on a charge (against someone who) is stated as ‘Unknown’?

“I don’t understand this. I don’t see how I can allow a charge… that states this accused person is ‘Unknown’.”

The prosecution was asked to revert the charge to the original name of Mahesh Pathmanathan and to seek clarification on the issue from the Attorney-General’s Chambers. 

The judge also added that if the prosecution wished to proceed with the charge with the man’s identity as “Unknown”, they would have to furnish submissions on the legality of the issue. 

The prosecution plans to file more charges against the man, but will first have to work out his true identity. 

An interpreter read the charge to the man in Tamil. She then informed the court that his identity was unconfirmed. 

The man has been in remand since 6 Feb 2021 and has been offered a S$20,000 bail. 

The man, who appeared in court via video link, did not speak during the proceedings and only nodded occasionally. 

The case has been adjourned and the man will return to court for an update from the prosecution on 20 April. 

He may face imprisonment for up to six months if he is convicted of overstaying. He may also be fined up to S$6,000 as he is over the age of 50 and cannot be subjected to caning.

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