Overseas calls from Malaysian phones number to Singapore 'traceable,' Singtel representative reveals

SINGAPORE (Oct 21): A representative from Singapore Telecommunications has revealed that calls made through Malaysian phone numbers to Singapore are “traceable”.

Testifying at the trial of John Soh Chee Wen and Quah Su-Ling, the alleged masterminds behind the 2013 penny stock crash, prosecution witness Yeo Poh Meng shed light on the traceability of foreign calls made on Singtel’s network.

As Singtel’s Customer Service Executive Officer – a role she has held for more than 10 years – Yeo is responsible for responding to requests for call screenings and call tracings from law enforcement agencies.

In her conditioned statement, Yeo said she received requests from the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to screen certain phone numbers, individuals and entities, and furnish details of any calls and SMS messages, including both local and overseas communications.

Under cross-examination by Soh’s defence counsel led by senior counsel N Sreenivasan of K&L Gates Straits Law, Yeo could not clearly recall the date she received the requests from CAD and MAS. However, she said this was sometime in the second half of 2013.

The requests were then delegated to her subordinates in her six-member team. Yeo submitted the data to the authorities once it was obtained.

However, she stressed that none of the records provided by Singtel capture the contents of the SMS messages or phone calls made and received.

During cross-examination by Quah’s lawyer, Philip Fong of Eversheds Harry Elias, Yeo also revealed that her presence in court on Monday was to give evidence against Soh and Quah.

Earlier in the day, during examination-in-chief by deputy public prosecutor Loh Hui Min, Yeo was shown a set of tables and identified the columns corresponding to the customer’s phone number, time of call or message sent or received, duration of call or voice message, and the type of SIM card used for the call.

Yeo also referred to a document in Singtel’s monthly billing records that detailed calls made by the customer’s mobile number outside Singapore through the AutoRoam function.

Also taking the stand on Monday was Choo Lee Lee, an associate director at UOB Kay Hian’s Credit Control Department.

During examination-in-chief by DPP Loh, Choo elaborated on the broking house’s procedures in settling transactions, closing off cash accounts and doing know-your-customer (KYC) checks.

Choo also noted that the bank uses a certain “CARS” system, but could not recall what the acronym stood for.

Choo added that UOB Kay Hian’s compliance department sent out frequent circulars reminding trading representatives of the need to obtain third-party authorisation.

The trial resumes Tuesday, where the defence counsels will cross-examine Choo, particularly on the share price movements and trades done on Aug 26 and Sept 20, 2013.

Amala Balakrishner, The Edge