Two Chinese Nationals Face New Charges

In a shocking turn of events, two Chinese men, Zhang Yongxiang, 52, and Feng Yunlong, 38, are facing fresh charges related to a high-profile housebreaking case in Pasir Panjang. On December 27, they were accused of breaking into a residence on Zehnder Road on December 18, allegedly climbing over the property's perimeter wall to commit the crime.

Authorities say the duo aimed to steal cash, a wallet worth approximately S$6,000 (US$4,400), and numerous pieces of jewelry, including 13 necklaces, although the total value of the jewelry remains undetermined.

Previous Incidents and New Charges

This latest charge comes just a week after the suspects were implicated in another housebreaking incident at Greenleaf View near Holland Road, where they supposedly entered through a sliding window and made off with a Cartier watch valued at S$8,800 and a Casio watch worth about S$150.

Court Proceedings and Investigation

In a move to ensure thorough investigations, the court has granted the prosecution's request for the pair to be remanded for another week. They will be held in custody for further questioning, and their next court appearance is set for January 3, 2025. A police prosecutor indicated that the suspects' ongoing detention is crucial for planned raids and the gathering of evidence at various locations.

Connection to a Larger Syndicate?

Interestingly, police have not dismissed the theory that Zhang and Feng might be associated with a larger housebreaking syndicate that surfaced earlier this year. Reports detail a series of burglaries that occurred in landed properties between June and August, believed to involve organized groups comprising foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens.

During this crime wave, ten separate cases were documented in private estates near the Rail Corridor and Bukit Timah Road, with stolen jewels estimated to be worth an astonishing S$3.85 million.

Recent Sentences Related to Burglary

Adding to the urgency of the investigation, authorities recently sentenced Wu Jinxing, a 28-year-old Chinese national, who traveled to Singapore specifically to retrieve stolen goods from these break-ins in July. Similarly, fellow Chinese nationals Long Zhihua, 38, and Luo Changchang, 44, admitted to pilfering S$570,100 worth of jewelry from a home on Windsor Park Road, with most of the valuable items still unaccounted for.

Legal Consequences and Implications

As this dramatic story unfolds, the legal consequences for housebreaking in Singapore are severe, with convicted individuals facing potential prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines. This ongoing case sheds light on the alarming rise of organized crime in the region, prompting local law enforcement to increase their vigilance against such syndicates.

Looking Ahead

Will Zhang and Feng reveal critical information about their alleged accomplices, or will they remain tight-lipped? Stay tuned for the latest updates!