Trio of Foreign Nationals Arrested for bukit timah Burglaries

Singapore authorities have apprehended three foreign nationals implicated in a series of burglaries targeting luxury residences in the Bukit Timah area. the suspects, identified as hernando Gildo Franco (Spain-Colombia), Hector Danial Garcia Iglesias (Mexico), and Mateo Andres Garces Murillo (Mexico-Colombia), face charges related to house theft.

Details of the Heists

The alleged crimes occured at three separate locations:

• Cluny Park Housing: May 9, around 11:00 PM local time.
• Dunearn Close Housing: May 10, around 8:00 AM local time.
• Eng Neo Avenue: May 10, around 9:30 PM local time.

The stolen goods included high-value jewelry, Mont Blanc and Breguet watches, and a Cartier watch. The total estimated value of the stolen items is considerable, with the jewelry alone valued at approximately US$421,300 (around rp. 7 billion, based on an exchange rate of Rp. 16,646). the watches were valued at US$58,000 (around Rp. 965 million) and US$80,000 (around Rp 1.3 billion) respectively.

Swift Apprehension Following Investigation

Law enforcement successfully identified the suspects through diligent investigation and analysis of CCTV footage. hernando and Hector were initially apprehended on Jalan Kubor, followed by Mateo’s arrest on TyrWhitt Road on May 11.

authorities recovered a vehicle, a circular saw, an assortment of luxury jewelry, and over US$18,000 (approximately Rp. 299 million) in various currencies as evidence.

Modus Operandi and Legal Ramifications

Investigations revealed that the trio entered Singapore separately within the past two weeks using social visit permits. However, their true intention was allegedly to target affluent homes for theft.

During court proceedings, Hector and Mateo expressed remorse for their actions and indicated a willingness to return the stolen property. Hector cited family problems, economic problems in the country as contributing factors to his involvement.

He also voiced concerns about the potential maximum sentence of 10 years, citing his family responsibilities. the suspects are currently detained in Singapore, awaiting the court’s decision.Police are continuing their investigation to determine if the suspects are linked to other criminal activities.

If convicted,each individual could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years,along with potential fines.

Rising Concerns Over Foreign Syndicates and Landed Property Burglaries

This incident highlights growing concerns about foreign syndicates targeting landed properties in Singapore. In a similar case from the previous year, between June and August 2024, approximately S$3.85 million worth of items were stolen from 10 landed houses in private estates [[1]] [[2]].This underscores the need for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures in these residential areas.

Between early June and August, 10 burglary cases were reported in private estates around the Rail Corridor and Bukit Timah Road, with stolen items valued at S$3.85 million in total.

CNA