Skip to main content

Former Reform Party Leader Charles Yeo Arrested in UK with Singapore Seeking Extradition

 


Fugitive Singaporean lawyer and former Reform Party chairman, Charles Yeo, is currently detained in the United Kingdom as he awaits an extradition hearing, with a bail hearing scheduled for November 15. Yeo fled Singapore in 2022 while facing multiple criminal charges, including offenses under the Penal Code and the Protection from Harassment Act.

Yeo’s criminal charges include one count of deliberately intending to wound religious feelings, two attempted counts of the same charge, and three counts of making abusive communications towards public servants. Singapore authorities later added charges of abetment of cheating, alleging that Yeo unlawfully facilitated the release of settlement funds to his law firm.

While Yeo was initially allowed to travel to Vietnam in August 2022, he violated his bail conditions by failing to return to Singapore, instead seeking “political asylum” in the UK. The Guardian reported that Yeo faced possible relocation to the Bibby Stockholm barge—a UK facility for asylum seekers—until its closure in July 2023 due to concerns over living conditions.

Singapore has an extradition arrangement with the UK as a Category 2B country, requiring both the UK Secretary of State and the courts to approve the request. If the Secretary of State certifies Singapore’s request, a UK court will decide on issuing an arrest warrant. The extradition process involves preliminary hearings followed by a full hearing where Yeo can contest his extradition. Once the court approves an extradition, the Secretary of State makes the final decision. If extradition is ordered, Yeo has four weeks to present reasons against it. Should his appeal fail, the extradition must occur within 28 days unless Yeo appeals to the UK’s High Court and, potentially, the Supreme Court.

The UK government has refrained from commenting on Yeo’s asylum status or the specifics of his extradition case, emphasizing its ongoing judicial proceedings. With the bail hearing on November 15, Singapore’s Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) continue to work closely with the UK to bring Yeo back to Singapore to face his charges.



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...

Queue-Cutting Toyota Raize Causes Chain Collision at Second Link

  Credit: Facebook@ 伟安 A Singapore-registered Toyota Raize was caught on video cutting the queue at the Second Link on Malaysia's side, sparking a chain collision on Dec. 24. The incident, which took place during peak traffic, highlights the dangers of reckless driving at border crossings. Incident Breakdown The Toyota Raize was seen traveling in the heavy vehicles lane before crossing over a double white line to join the congested car lane. Its sudden maneuver caused two other queue-cutting cars behind it to slow down sharply. This led to a lorry, which was traveling in the heavy vehicles lane, ploughing into the two cars. Smoke could be seen rising from the lorry following the impact, but the Toyota Raize appeared to escape unscathed and moved ahead. Meanwhile, the two cars involved in the collision were stopped. Reactions on Social Media The video of the incident drew widespread criticism. Commenters blamed the Toyota Raize for initiating the chain of events while also calling ...