Singaporean Tycoon and Wife Arrested After 19 Years on the Run for RM228M E-Waste Scam

Singaporean businessman Ng Teck Lee, 58, and his wife Thor Chwee Hwa, 55, were arrested in Johor on December 3 after nearly two decades evading justice over a US$51 million (RM228 million) embezzlement case. Ng, the former CEO of Citiraya Industries, allegedly orchestrated a scheme to sell electronic scrap meant for recycling as new products, defrauding clients and bribing employees.

The couple fled Singapore in 2005 as investigations revealed they had misappropriated 89 tonnes of scrap and paid nearly S$2 million in bribes. Their flight led to extensive efforts by Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), including Interpol Red Notices and asset seizures worth S$23 million.

The couple was arrested by Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and extradited to Singapore the same day. Ng faces charges of criminal breach of trust, while Thor is charged under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes Act. Both will appear in court today.