24-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) A man’s attempt to deceive the authorities and make a false insurance claim has resulted in his imprisonment. Chai Wen Hin, 29, was found guilty of providing false information to the police, doctor, and insurance report regarding a car accident in which he claimed to have suffered a neck injury.
The incident occurred on May 11, 2021, when Chai’s parked car was struck by 72-year-old Ho Jin Sam, who reversed into it along Park Crescent in Singapore’s Chinatown. After the accident, Chai and Ho had a conversation, but Ho allegedly refused to provide his contact details.
The following day, Chai visited a doctor and falsely stated that he was inside the stationary car wearing a seatbelt when the accident happened. He claimed to have sustained a neck injury, leading the doctor to grant him four days of medical leave. Chai then proceeded to file a police report, stating that he was waiting for a friend when Ho reversed his car into his front bumper. He alleged that Ho only allowed him to photograph his license plate and falsely claimed that the accident caused discomfort on the right side of his neck.
Chai further perpetuated his lies by submitting an insurance claim to the General Insurance Association, reiterating his false account of the neck injury. However, the truth came to light when CCTV footage revealed that Chai was actually standing outside his car at the time of the accident. Subsequently, on July 5, 2021, Chai was questioned by the police, where he finally confessed to his deceit and retracted his report. He also amended his insurance claim, stating that he had not suffered any injuries.
Appearing in court on October 23, Chai pleaded guilty to providing false information to a public servant, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment, a fine of S$5,000 (RM17,500), or both. The prosecution argued for a five-day jail sentence, emphasizing that Chai’s false claims could have led to a wrongful investigation of Ho for careless driving. They also highlighted the fact that Chai maintained his lies for two months and had no evidence of intending to retract his statements if not confronted by the police.
The Public Defender’s Office, representing Chai, contended that he had no intention of making a fraudulent injury claim, whether for insurance or otherwise.
After pleading guilty, Chai was sentenced to two days’ imprisonment.
