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The Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has arrested 61-year-old Singaporean, Lim Tean (“Lim”), upon his return from Malaysia on 11 August 2026. Lim had earlier failed to surrender to the State Courts on 3 August 2026 to commence serving his term of imprisonment and instead, left Singapore illegally while on court bail.

Lim was earlier sentenced by the District Court to six weeks’ imprisonment and a fine of $1,000 on 17 February 2025 on three charges under Section 33(1)(a)(i)–(iii) of the Legal Profession Act (Cap 161, 2009 Revised Edition), for carrying out acts as an advocate or a solicitor without a valid practising certificate. On 23 February 2026, following appeals by both Lim against his conviction and sentence, and by the Prosecution against the sentence, the High Court enhanced his sentence to three months and one week imprisonment.

Following the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of Lim’s application to refer questions of law of public interest on 6 July 2026, he was ordered to surrender at the State Courts on 3 August 2026 to commence serving his imprisonment term. He failed to do so, and a Warrant of Arrest was issued against him on the same day.

Through the SPF’s collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), Lim was arrested in Malaysia by the RMP on 6 August 2026, and handed over to the SPF on 11 August 2026. Investigations into the circumstances of his illegal departure are ongoing.

Director CAD, Ms. Peggy Pao said, “The Police are resolved to pursue and bring to justice those who commit crimes in Singapore, regardless of where they flee to. We will continue to work closely with our wide network of overseas law enforcement partners to locate, arrest and secure the return of criminals to face justice in Singapore.  I would like to thank the RMP for their prompt assistance in this case."

Refer to the Police News Release (SPF | Two Singaporean Men To Be Charged For Their Suspected Involvement In A Conspiracy To Defeat The Course Of Justice) dated 8 August 2026.


Annex A – Photos of Arrest and Escort of Lim Tean