Singaporean Jailed for Stealing Almost US$39,000 from Wedding Money Boxes

A couple’s joyous occasion turned sour when a stranger stole money boxes with red packets worth nearly S$50,000 (US$39,000) from their wedding reception. The culprit, Lee Yi Wei, 36, a former part-time banquet server and habitual gambler, gambled away most of the money. He was sentenced to 12 months’ jail on June 24 for theft and gambling with an unlicensed provider. Lee must compensate the victims or face an additional 100 days in jail. The incident occurred during a wedding lunch on April 5 at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach.

Lee, familiar with the ballroom layout from previous work there, knew money boxes with red packets were placed on a table at the foyer during receptions. Seizing an opportunity when the table was unattended, he took two money boxes containing $48,939 and fled. The wedding organiser reported the theft after viewing CCTV footage. Lee stored the money in a locker at the National Library, buying clothes with part of it and depositing the rest into a bank account for online gambling credits. He was arrested on April 7 with some of the stolen cash still in his possession.

Lee, without legal representation, apologized during his mitigation, attributing his actions to gambling addiction and desperation. Judge Goh criticized Lee for his premeditated actions and noted his past criminal record. Lee, in remand since May, has begun serving his sentence.