Trio Cheats Retiree of Over S$44,000 with Fake Curse Scheme

A 56-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to her involvement in a scheme that defrauded a 77-year-old Singaporean retiree of more than S$44,000 (approximately US$34,200) under the pretense of lifting a “curse.” The case has drawn attention due to its brazen nature and the targeting of a vulnerable individual.

Li Yulian, a Chinese national, appeared in court on July 18, 2023, from her remand location. Her two accomplices, Liang Guilian and Zhu Mianfang, remain at large following the incident that occurred on November 16, 2019, in the Lavender area of Singapore.

According to court proceedings, the victim was approached by Liang while walking along Jellicoe Road around 08:00. Liang inquired about a local doctor, to which the victim responded she did not know. Li then intervened, claiming she had knowledge of the doctor and details about the victim’s family, including her three sons and a daughter. This knowledge led the victim to trust Li, who soon convinced her that she was cursed.

Li instructed the victim to gather as much money as possible to lift the curse with the doctor’s help. The victim, believing Li’s claims, returned home and secured S$8,000 in cash, gold jewelry, and a bank passbook. She subsequently withdrew an additional S$36,000 from a bank branch located at Boon Keng MRT.

After collecting the money and valuables, the victim accompanied Li back to Jellicoe Road, where they met Liang and Zhu. Zhu claimed to be the doctor’s granddaughter and assured the victim that the curse had already been lifted. She instructed the victim to place her valuables into a brown recycling bag, which Zhu took while providing the victim with another bag to be opened only at midnight.

The victim handed over a total of S$44,000 in cash, along with three gold bracelets, two gold rings, two pairs of gold earrings, a Rolex watch, and a beaded bracelet valued at S$350. After the encounter, the victim returned home and excitedly shared the news with her children about the supposed lifting of her curse. However, when her daughter opened the bag, they discovered it contained only plastic bags and drinks.

Police investigations revealed that the trio had fled Singapore for Malaysia through the Tuas Checkpoint, prompting law enforcement to issue a police gazette against them. Li returned to Singapore via Changi Airport in May 2025 and was subsequently arrested. Since then, she has been in custody, while Liang and Zhu remain at large, and none of the victim’s valuables have been recovered.

During court proceedings, Li expressed a desire to make compensation to the victim. The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of between 18 to 22 months, highlighting the significant amount of money involved, the vulnerability of the victim, and Li’s evasion of law enforcement for over five years. Li is expected to return to court for mitigation and sentencing in September 2023.