Maid jailed after stealing more than S$217,000 from employer, bought condo, vehicles and land in the Philippines

A domestic helper has been sentenced to over three years in jail for stealing more than S$217,000 from her employer over a four-year period. Raguindin Alma Bassig, 47, a Philippine national, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by a servant, with three other similar charges taken into consideration.

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staggering

Bassig used the stolen cash and jewelry to purchase condominium units, vehicles, and land in the Philippines. The thefts occurred between January 2022 and December 2022, and again in June 2024, when Bassig accessed her employer's safe while the family was away or asleep. She discovered the key to the safe, which contained various currencies and jewelry, including pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels.

The victim, who had employed Bassig for nearly 10 years and given her unrestricted access to the home, described her sense of betrayal to the court. District Judge Koo Zhi Xuan called the amount stolen "staggering" and emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence, noting that Bassig had "gravely abused the trust of her employer."

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The accused gravely abused the trust of her employer

Investigations revealed Bassig converted the stolen cash into Philippine pesos and sold, pawned, or kept the jewelry. The thefts went unnoticed until November 2025, when the victim noticed cash missing. A motion-sensor camera installed in May 2026 captured Bassig opening the safe, leading to her arrest. The court noted that it is "highly uncertain" if the stolen property will ever be recovered, as no restitution has been made.

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highly uncertain