What began as a joyous occasion for a newly married couple in Singapore took a shocking turn when nearly S$50,000 (US$39,083; £28,705) in red envelope gifts was stolen during their wedding reception.
The thief, Lee Yi Wei, a 36-year-old former waiter familiar with the hotel venue, later squandered the money through gambling. On Tuesday, a Singapore court sentenced him to one year in prison and ordered him to repay the stolen funds. Should he fail to compensate the couple, an extra 100 days will be added to his sentence.
The court heard that Lee used his knowledge of the hotel’s layout to carry out the theft.
In many parts of Asia, it is customary for guests to present monetary gifts in red envelopes at weddings, symbolizing blessings and good fortune for the newlyweds.
It’s common for guests to drop red envelope gifts into large boxes placed on a designated table near the entrance to the reception hall.
However, Lee, who hadn’t been invited to the April celebration, stole two of these boxes when they were briefly left unattended. Once the theft was discovered, the wedding organiser notified the police.
The court was told that Lee immediately spent part of the money on clothing and gambled away S$12,200 within just four hours. He then converted a large portion of the stolen funds into credits for online gambling, placing 195 bets over a span of three days.
When he was finally arrested, officers were able to recover only S$3,000 from him.
In Singapore, red envelope giving has taken on modern nuances, with unwritten rules about how much money is appropriate, depending on factors like venue and relationship to the couple. For many newlyweds, these gifts help offset wedding expenses.
Several online platforms regularly publish updated guides advising guests on how much to give, tailored to specific venues and dates.
Red envelopes are also a key part of Lunar New Year traditions in many Asian cultures, where they are gifted to children and unmarried relatives as a gesture of luck and prosperity.
– Deeprows News
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