What is Criminal Breach of Trust in Singapore

Honest - Fearless - Dedicated
Chat on Whatsapp Connect with Bishop Law on WhatsApp

What is Criminal Breach of Trust in Singapore [CBT]

Criminal Breach of Trust in Singapore: Penalties and Consequences

Criminal Breach of Trust, CBT mainly means misusing the funds or property in a dishonest or inappropriate manner.

What you need to know about Criminal Breach of Trust in Singapore

News spread in the month of July 2019 about a medical social worker, who had misappropriated around $47,000 cheques that were entrusted to her. After this incident, the Criminal Breach of Trust i.e. CBT came into the spotlight. The cheques belonged to two elderly nursing home residents who are recipients of retirement assistance from the Central Provident Fund Board.

Don’t Miss:  White Collar Crimes in Singapore

What is CBT?

It refers to an offence whereby the person entrusted with the property or the control thereof does any of the following acts:

– Misappropriates it by exploiting, using it temporarily or permanently without the owner’s consent.

– Takes it or takes possession of it in a way that is not allowed by the owner

– Uses it, in a different manner than what the owner and the trustee agreed upon

– Property disposal in a fraudulent way, such as investing the trust money in investments that are unauthorized by the owner.

In a nutshell, if you are entrusted with the property and you do anything which violates the law or your contract and the victim has suffered a loss or losses as a result, you can be charged with CBT.

Consequences of the breach

You can be arrested without a warrant. CBT is an arrestable offence, which means that the police can take you into custody without securing an arrest warrant. The decision of releasing you on a bail lies in the hands of the court.

For example, the authorities suspect you of misappropriating the property of your trustee. They believe that there is a reasonable cause to believe that the crime has been committed; they can arrest you without a warrant.

What are the consequences of violating the CBT?

Aside from having a criminal record when convicted of CBT, you can be imprisoned for up to 7 years and/or fined with an amount the court deems appropriate.

If ever you find yourself in this situation, it is advisable to consult a criminal lawyer who can help you defend yourself from the repercussions of this complex offence.

Disclaimer: The article can not be considered as legal advice or opinion on the topic which has been discussed and one should not rely on it. In no way, it should be taken as the statement of law and practice in this area. If you need any legal advice you should consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction. None of the members, partners or consultant who is a part of Bishop Law assumes or holds any responsibility or liability,  to any person in respect of the content shared above.

Recent Articles

Understand Cheating Charges in Singapore Laws, Regulations and Penalties Explained

Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.

Understanding the Legality of Gambling in Singapore: Laws, Regulations, and Penalties Explained

Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.

Singapore's Strong Stance Against Insider Trading: Ensuring Market Transparency and Investor Protection

Insider trading is a critical issue in any financial market, and Singapore takes a strong stance against such illegal practices.

Criminal Intimidation Singapore: What Singapore law says about this?

Be in touch with us and get detailed information about criminal intimidation sentences in Singapore with adequate examples of Criminal Intimidation Cases.

Criminal Procedure Code in Singapore: Things you must know about it

The law of criminal procedure code (Singapore) is serving the purpose of establishing the rules that shall be respected and strictly ..

The offence of Rioting in Singapore: Things You Must Know

Rioting is a crime and if found guilty, you can get jailed for a maximum of 7 years or get caned, or both. But, does rioting always ..

What is Criminal Breach of Trust in Singapore [ CBT ]

News spread in the month of July 2019 about a medical social worker, who had misappropriated around $47,000 cheques that were entrusted to her.

All Need to Know About Plea Bargaining in Singapore [ with FAQs ]

In June 2019, a man was jailed for cheating banks for $181,669 loans using fake payslips. He was charged with four cheating charges,

Best Guide on Protection from Harassment Act of Singapore

Do you know that sending someone flowers every day despite their protest is considered harassment and Singapore? So, before you go to jail,...

The Difference Between Culpable Homicide and Murder in Singapore

A person who caused the death of someone is not automatically charged with murder. Depending on the circumstances of the case, such person may be found guilty of any of the following offences:

Singapore’s Law on Drugs: Consuming and Trafficking of Drugs in Singapore

News spread in the month of July 2019 about a medical social worker, who had misappropriated around $47,000 cheques that were entrusted to her.

Everything You Want To Know About the White Collar Crimes in Singapore

Singapore was hailed as one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Thanks to the strict implementation of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA).

Everything You Want To Know About Bail and Personal Bonds in Singapore

If you’re convicted of a crime, perhaps the only thing you would wish for is that the judge bangs the gavel and announces, “Bail is set at (a certain amount)”, ..

Compounding or Composition of Offences in Singapore [ Explained ]

What you ought to Know about Compounding or Composition of Offences in Singapore
In 2016, a man charged with sexual harassment because of unlawful stalking a woman was

When Can Someone Be Arrested | Arrestable and Non Arrestable Offences in Singapore

Do you know what are the arrestable and non-arrestable offences in Singapore and what should you do when you face such charges?

Send an Enquiry