SINGAPORE - A former captain in the Singapore Armed Forces was charged in court on Nov 10 for allegedly cheating 16 people into giving him $145,250.

Benjamin Song Yong Pang, 37, purportedly made them believe that the monies were used either for investments or to pay for his mother's medical bills.

Song was handed 18 cheating charges, of which 13 were amalgamated charges, where multiple alleged incidents are taken together in a single offence.

Charge sheets state that the alleged offences took place over almost three years between May 2021 and March 2024.

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau said in a press release on Nov 10 that Song had used the money to service his debts and expenses.

Song appeared in court with an elderly couple and said he would be getting legal advice for his case. He is currently out on bail of $100,000. His case will be heard again on Dec 8.

If convicted, Song faces up to 10 years' jail and fine for each charge of cheating. For the amalgamated charges, he can face twice the amount of punishment liable for that offence.