In a bid to make quick money, 44-year-old Wu Youquan attempted to swap a diamond ring valued at S$318,000 (US$237,000) with a replica at a Tiffany & Co luxury jewelry store in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, last year. The attempt was thwarted when an employee discovered the switch before Wu could exit the store.
Wu, a Chinese national, was sentenced to 40 months in jail after pleading guilty to a theft charge, with another charge of attempted cheating taken into consideration for sentencing.
The court heard that Wu was approached by another Chinese national, Chen Hanbo, on WeChat in October 2023 for a “fast cash job.” The high-risk job involved swapping a genuine diamond ring at Tiffany & Co with a replica. Wu, enticed by the promise of financial gain, agreed to the scheme.
The pair traveled to Singapore in November, where Chen scoped out the Tiffany & Co store and selected a potential diamond ring for the swap. Wu returned to China but was instructed by Chen to go back to Singapore, photograph the price tag of the chosen ring, and execute the switch.
Wu, posing as a customer from Taiwan, took a photo of a 3.18-carat ring with a price tag of S$318,000, seeking permission from an employee. Chen sent him a replica ring, and upon Wu’s return to Singapore, he attempted the swap.
Wu distracted the store’s team manager, Pearlyn Tong, while pocketing the genuine ring and leaving the replica on the tray. However, Tong realized the difference in texture on the price tag of the replica and raised an alarm. The police were called, and Wu was arrested.
During sentencing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Kelly Ng highlighted the premeditated nature of Wu’s crime and the transnational element, as Wu and Chen targeted Singapore for their criminal activities. Ng sought at least 42 months’ imprisonment, emphasizing the personal financial gain sought by Wu.
In mitigation, Wu, who was unrepresented, pleaded for leniency, citing family stress and personal circumstances. Despite his cooperation and guilty plea, Wu was sentenced to 40 months in jail for the theft charge.
