Singapore: An Indian national and a senior Singaporean citizen were charged in a Singapore district court on Thursday, April 16, 2026, for allegedly defrauding a cultural organization of more than SGD 1.6 million. The accused, 53-year-old Alagappan Muthu, a director at KKV Construction, and 81-year-old Ching Wai Leng, the former head of maintenance at the Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng columbarium in Bishan, are facing nine counts of cheating each. According to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), the duo allegedly conspired to rig the tender process for maintenance and repair works between April and December 2023.
The investigation revealed that Ching, while overseeing maintenance at the Chinese cemetery and columbarium, allegedly helped Muthu’s firm, KKV Construction, secure various contracts including painting, plastering, and waterproofing through an open tender. However, the pair reportedly concealed a secret agreement where KKV Construction would subcontract these projects to Asiabuild Enterprises, a company owned and directed by Ching himself. This conflict of interest was hidden from the organization’s management committee, misleading its president into approving payments totaling approximately SGD 1,661,785 to KKV Construction.
Both men appeared in court today and indicated their intention to dispute the charges. Court records show that Ching vacated his directorial position at Asiabuild Enterprises just last week, on April 6, while Muthu remains a director and shareholder at KKV Construction. A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for May 21, 2026. Under Singapore’s Penal Code, a conviction for cheating carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine for each charge.
