Man who fled Singapore over 20 years ago to avoid jail caught at Changi Airport

A Singaporean man's attempt to evade justice for over two decades ended at Changi Airport, where he was arrested upon returning under a false identity. Tan Khi Wie, 58, was caught on March 7 this year when he attempted to pass through immigration using an Indonesian passport under the name "Ken Srona."

Tan had been convicted in August 2002 for cheating the Singapore Productivity and Standards Board out of S$195,800. He was sentenced to 18 months in jail but fled the country on a fishing boat before serving his term. He traveled through Malaysia and Thailand before settling in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Despite being a wanted fugitive, Tan made several trips back to Singapore between 2011 and 2016, using the alias "Ken Srona" and Indonesian passports. He also provided false information on disembarkation cards, claiming he had never used a different passport to enter the country.

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He was unable to complete immigration clearance at the automated lanes, prompting ICA officers to conduct further checks.

Authorities discovered his deception when he failed to clear automated immigration lanes. Further checks revealed his true identity and the outstanding warrant for his arrest. Tan was sentenced on Tuesday to 14 months and three weeks in jail for multiple offenses under the Immigration Act and Penal Code, with 16 other charges considered during sentencing.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) stated that it has enhanced its immigration processes with biometrics and data analytics, including multi-modal biometric systems deployed since July 2020 to better detect individuals using multiple or assumed identities. Automated lanes now use concurrent iris and facial scanners to authenticate travelers.

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ICA said that it has strengthened its immigration clearance processes and systems by using biometrics and data analytics.