Fake Casino Croupier Jailed For 6 Months
January 18, 2013 11:31 amA man in his 20’s who disguised himself as a casino croupier in an attempt to steal chips from a Singapore casino has just been handed a 6 month jail sentence.
Ma Siu Hong, 24, had previously worked at the Marina Bay Sands as a dealer but since leaving had run into financial difficulties. That’s when he hatched his audacious plan to make off with the casino’s chips by slipping into his old staff uniform, which he failed to turn in after leaving the casino’s employ, before then taking over duties at a roulette table.
After sending the night shift croupier on a break, Ma Siu Hong then took over his station and proceeded to change the patrons money into chips and spin the roulette wheel. As part of his deception, Ma took steps to ensure he wasn’t recognized by previous colleagues and even changed his appearance to look like an old man, complete with dusty white hair, wrinkles and fake spectacles. Ma Siu Hong even covered his fingers with plasters to avoid leaving prints.
However, his con was found out and following his arrest Ma Siu Hong pleaded guilty to a number of different charges, including trespassing, posing as a dealer and acting without a licence. Summing up the case, District Judge Low Wee Ping said: “You disguised yourself. You even put powder on your hair, I suppose, to show that you were an aged or senior person. I am also surprised that it is so easy for you to enter the casino, and I hope that the establishment will improve on the security.”
The judge said he deemed the 6 month sentence and $5,000 fine as necessary to act as a deterrent. However, things could have been worse for the would-be-impersonator, who could have faced up to three years in jail, as well as a a $25,000 fine.