Secretary accused of pocketing $1.7m from firm

A secretary who allegedly misappropriated $1.7 million from her employer over seven years was charged yesterday.

Satwant Kaur Sardara Singh faces eight counts of criminal breach of trust as a servant.

The 48-year-old was working at marine services company Redstar Marine Consultants when the money was taken. Between 2005 and 2012, she allegedly pocketed cash cheques with amounts ranging from $35,070 to $371,619.

Only $25,000 out of the $1.7 million has been recovered.

Yesterday, the prosecution applied for the case to be adjourned for four weeks, as investigations are still under way and she will be facing more charges.

For offences committed before 2008, the maximum penalty is seven years behind bars and a fine on each charge. Since then, the maximum punishment has gone up to 15 years and a fine.

Satwant's police bail of $300,000 has been extended until her next appearance in court on Oct 29.

Her passport has been impounded.

The Straits Times understands that she had worked for the shipping company for 11 years, and had seemed to be a very religious person.

Her lawyer, Mr R. S. Bajwa, said that she is claiming trial.

This article was first published on October 2, 2014.
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