SINGAPORE, 15 May 2023―Selvam LLC achieved a significant outcome in the case of Goh Toh Heng, an elderly director charged with acquiring ill-gotten gains totaling over $405,000. Goh has been granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, while the possibility of future prosecution remains if new evidence emerges.
The charges against Goh were connected to an investment scam involving his son, Matthew Goh Tian Si, who was previously sentenced to six years in prison for misappropriating over $1.1 million from unsuspecting victims in an investment ruse involving teakwood. Matthew Goh had already pleaded guilty to one count of criminal breach of trust.
Matthew Goh, a director and shareholder of Prosperity Ventures Global at the time, misappropriated the funds between December 2014 and November 2015. None of the funds were used to purchase teakwood trees.
Mr. Goh Toh Heng, represented by Selvam director Clement Tan and associate Colin Tan, was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal. Tan’s strategic approach, deep understanding of the case and commitment to justice were instrumental in achieving this outcome.
Tan expressed his satisfaction with the result and said: “My client and his family are relieved that this matter is finally over… My client has not returned home [to Malaysia] in the last five years as a result of this case hanging over his head. He is now able to return home to seek treatment for his numerous ailments and to spend time with his family.”[1]
The Attorney-General’s Chambers also commented on the case, stating: “After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the matter, the prosecution applied for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal in relation to the charges against Goh Toh Heng.”[2]
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About Selvam LLC
On 1 January 2011, Selvam LLC entered into a joint law venture with Philadelphia-based United States law firm Duane Morris LLP. The affiliation, formally known in Singapore as an Enhanced Joint Law Venture (JLV), was the first U.S.-Singapore joint venture to be approved by Singapore as part of the enhanced liberalisation of its legal services market in 2008. The joint venture, known as Duane Morris & Selvam LLP, enables Duane Morris to strengthen its capabilities, access and presence in Asia through Selvam LLC’s top-ranked Singapore corporate and disputes practices, and likewise helps Selvam to leverage the support of Duane Morris’ U.S. and other international offices.
In addition, the partnership enables Selvam to draw upon the JLV in terms of the technology, IT infrastructure, training and capabilities of a global law firm. Together, the firm now has over 900 lawyers across 30 offices including five offices in Asia: Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai and Yangon. Selvam LLC undertakes all Singapore law aspects of the JLV, including litigation, employment, real estate and family law matters. Due to the ever-increasing volume of cross-border transactions, our local law capability greatly enhances the scope of legal services we are able to offer our clients.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm’s full disclaimer.