Cabbie first to face casino-cheating charges

A taxi driver has become the first person to be charged in court for casino-related crimes in Singapore.

Loo Siew Nan, 53, was investigated by the Casino Crime Investigation Branch and was brought to court on Wednesday.

He was accused of five offences of attempted cheating, cheating by impersonation, theft and giving false information to the police.

He allegedly tried to cheat a casino dealer at Resorts World Sentosa Casino's baccarat table by placing a bet of two S$100 (RM241) chips on the banker after the result of the game had been declared.

He allegedly did this on Monday, the ninth day of the opening if the casino, with the intention of deceiving the dealer into believing that he had a winning bet and tried to induce the dealer to give him a payout of chips worth S$190 (RM459).

He had allegedly earlier gained entry into the casino by posing as one Loh Siow Kok - who is his brother - by producing the latter's Singapore driving licence.

He is also charged with giving false information to a senior station inspector by giving him an original driving licence bearing Loh's name when asked for his identity at about 2.10am on Tuesday.

He is said to have stolen Loh's driving licence at a coffeeshop along Bedok Reservoir Road at about 6.30pm on Sunday and four hours later, posed as Loh to get into the casino.

The prosecution asked for a two-week adjournment to complete investigation. Bail of S$15,000 (RM36,214) was offered. Loo’s next appearance is on March 9.

- Sitiemilia ,Singpaore.