Nelson Loh among those charged after two years on the run
SINGAPORE: Two Singaporeans, accused of forgery and evading authorities for over two years, were arrested and charged on Monday (Dec 26). Nelson Loh, once associated with a potential takeover of English Premier League club Newcastle United, and Michael Wong, a former employee of Novena Global Healthcare Group (NGHG), now face legal proceedings.
The duo, both 43, reportedly left Singapore in early September 2020. Shortly after their departure, authorities received a report alleging the forgery of Ernst & Young’s signatures on NGHG financial statements. These falsified documents were allegedly used to secure S$18 million in bank loans.
Loh, a former director of NGHG, gained media attention in 2020 as part of a group interested in purchasing Newcastle United, though the deal never came to fruition.
Warrants for their arrest and Interpol red notices were issued following their departure. Singapore police confirmed that with the assistance of Chinese authorities, Loh and Wong returned to Singapore on Dec 24 and were immediately apprehended by the Commercial Affairs Department.
An Interpol red notice facilitates the provisional arrest of wanted individuals worldwide based on an arrest warrant from a member nation.
The pair now face two charges each for forgery offences. If found guilty, they could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines.
David Chew, Director of the Commercial Affairs Department, emphasised Singapore’s commitment to pursuing justice: “The Police will take all necessary and lawful actions to detain and repatriate individuals evading justice overseas. Our collaboration with Interpol and global law enforcement partners ensures accountability for those who commit crimes in Singapore.”
He also expressed gratitude to China’s Ministry of Public Security for their role in the operation.
