Lawyer Jeffrey Ong disbarred over $33 million missing client’s money
SINGAPORE — A lawyer who absconded after $33 million from a client’s money held in an escrow account went missing was struck off the rolls on Wednesday (14 September).
Jeffrey Ong Su Ann, who was a former managing partner of law firm JLC Advisors, agreed via a video link from Changi Prison to being disbarred during a short hearing before the Court of Three Judges, according to several media reports.
Ong, 45, had admitted to seven disciplinary charges at a disciplinary tribunal initiated by the Law Society of Singapore.
He is still facing a criminal case with a total of 76 charges, including for criminal breach of trust as an attorney, cheating, and forgery. Of these, 57 are for non-bailable offences.
Ong had disappeared and fled to Malaysia in 2019, according to court documents.
After he became uncontactable, a police report was made about his alleged criminal breach of trust. A warrant of arrest was later issued for him, leading to his arrest by the Malaysian police. Among his possessions found on him then was a stolen Malaysian passport belonging to a Malaysian Chinese man, whose face and age were similar to Ong’s.
Ong was later repatriated to Singapore and charged. He has been in remand for more than three years.
Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
