FADHAL ILAHI ABD GHANI
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28
The two Singaporeans arrested on Saturday in a pre-dawn police raid were not hired killers but triad society members.
One of them, identified as Tan Chor Jin, is believed to be the leader of triad society, ‘Ang Soon Tong’ or ‘21 Gang’ in the republic.
The 39-year-old bespectacled Tan who goes by the alias Tony Kia, is also nicknamed ‘One- Eyed Dragon’ because he is blind in the right eye.
In underworld circles, he was known to be a bookie collecting bets for illegal horse racing and football at a Balestier coffee shop in Singapore.
Despite his criminal connections, Tan’s favourite pastime was playing Chinese chess.
The Malay Mail learnt that while serving five years at Changi Prison in the 1980s for gang-related activities, including rioting and fighting, he spent most of his time studying.
"During his time in prison, Tan kept mostly to himself and chose to study, instead of carrying out chores.
"It is uncertain whether he eventually sat for any examination," a source told The Malay Mail, adding that there was speculation that Tan was blinded in the right eye following a fight.
Tan is allegedly linked to the murder of Lim Hock Soon, the owner of the Las Vegas Nightclub in Haveclock Road, Singapore on Feb 15, after what is believed to have been a fallout between the business partners.
It is learnt that Tan had accused Lim of cheating him of his share of bets placed in illegal horse-racing and football, and in the week that followed, the duo became bitter enemies.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Mustafa Abdullah said three police officers from the republic were in the city to assist in investigations.
"We are trying to determine whether the two suspects were involved in crimes in Malaysia.
"After our investigations, we will refer the matter to the Attorney-General for action."
The source said that in the past one year in Singapore, Tan moved from one place to another to avoid police detection, having resided in Punggol, Clementi, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio and Hougang.
His last-known address was a three-room flat in Hougang Avenue 3.
Tan is married to a Malaysian who does not live with him.
'This is probably the first time I have ever heard of Singaporeans having triad connections since the time I moved to Singapore in 1999.'
ReplyDeleteYou mean you don't know? These are actually quite interesting.
>3-6-9
>Omega 7
>Singapore Seow
>Seow Singapore
>Yong Pung Seow (How) - 'my very own gang - current membership = one'
To name but a few. They are supposed to engage in gang fights. It's hard to believe but there's this young man I saw inside with this long stitch that's almost from shoulder to abdomen.