A Singaporean Underground poker game host is starting an 18-week stretch behind bars after being found guilty of assaulting an opponent, stealing S$70,000, and breaking the country’s strict Covid-19 restrictions.
Singapore Underground Poker Home Game Turns Violent
Kesigan Emmanuel Santhakumar, 26, accused Ian Lee Enyuan, 32, of cheating during the game.
After a physical attack he transferred S$70,000—US$51,000— to his own bank account using the victim’s mobile phone before filming the signing of a document that indicated he was owed the sum.
Extortion
The Underground poker game took place on July 21 2021, located in a warehouse unit owned by fellow player Daryl Tan You Ming. At least 18 people were spread across two tables, each with a dealer.
After some hours of play Kesigan approached Lee to discuss his concerns about cheating that was taking place during the evening.
Following the denying of accusations Lee was confronted again and informed that according to the game rules he would be liable to compensate the other players as much as seven times their buy-in.
This figure amounted to S$50,000 which Lee claimed not to have, telling Kesigan there was only S$900 in his bank account.
Kesigan Emmanuel Santhakumar punches opponent in the face
At this point Kesigan became angry and aggressive before losing control and punching Lee in the face.
The group, including Tan, now set about attempting to access Lee’s personal finances and discovered a DBS debit card which Lee claimed was neither his nor linked to any account.
Not believing the victim, Kesigan bought 40 iPhones from Asian Amazon-type website Lazada knowing that a single-shot password would be sent to the card owner’s phone.
Much to Lee’s disappointment, this phone was stored inside his bag and the aggressors heard the message alert.
Lee’s attempt at disguising his finances now led to another beating, after which the group managed to access the DBS account app via the second phone.
There they found a tidy S$73,000 sum of which S$70,000 was transferred to Kesigan’s friend known as Razzab.
After the attack and theft was over, Kesigan wrote out a document that said he was owed the money by Lee which was sent voluntarily and then filmed the victim signing it.
Underground Poker Game Host Got Off Lightly
Kesigan can consider himself lucky to be spending only 18 weeks in jail. The assault charges alone could have led to a full three years plus another three for unauthorised modification of computer material.
For breaking the Covid-19 regulations a six month sentence was on the table.
Only five people were allowed to meet socially during the second phase of reopening the country, which has thus far taken any breaches extremely seriously, including jailing a foreigner who refused to wear a mask.
For his part in the attack, Tan was sentenced to three weeks in jail and must pay a fine of S$8,000 or have his custody limit increased.
Don’t forget to check out the latest poker news to see what’s been happening in the poker world.
Terms and conditions apply. New customer offer and 18+ only. Should you require help regarding your betting pattern, please visit www.begambleaware.org
