Ex-SAF captain, 37, allegedly cheated people of over S$145,000, claiming 'investments' & mum's 'medical bills'

A former captain in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) allegedly cheated 16 people of more than S$145,000 over three years by deceiving them that the money would be used for investments or to pay for his mother's medical bills.

But instead, he allegedly used the monies to service his debts and expenses, a Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) statement said.

Benjamin Song Yong Pang, 37, was handed 18 charges in court on Nov. 10 for the alleged cheating offences.

13 of the charges were amalgamated charges, where multiple alleged incidents are taken together as a single offence.

Allegedly cheated more than S$145,000 over 3 years

CPIB said that the offences happened over multiple occasions between May 23, 2021 and Mar. 26, 2024.

Song was a captain of the SAF at the time of the offences, said CPIB.

Charge sheets indicated that the sums given to Song by the alleged victims ranged from S$1,000 to over S$27,000.

Song appeared in court on Nov. 10 with an elderly couple and said he would be getting legal advice for his case, The Straits Times reported.

He did not indicate whether he intended to plead guilty.

A S$100,000 bail was extended to Song.

He is no longer with SAF: Mindef

The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a Nov. 10 statement that Song was suspended from his duties following his arrest, and is no longer a regular serviceman with the SAF.

Mindef said that SAF holds its service personnel to high standards of discipline and integrity.

"We do not tolerate any form of cheating in the SAF. Service personnel who commit offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law," Mindef said.

"As court proceedings are ongoing, MINDEF and the SAF are unable to comment further on the case."

Song's case is set to be heard again on Dec. 8.

Top image by Mothership & Benjamin Song/LinkedIn