Removal proceedings to resume against CHC leaders after sentencing: Commissioner of Charities

SINGAPORE — Proceedings to remove the City Harvest Church (CHC) leaders and members convicted of criminal charges will resume after they are sentenced by the court, said the Office of the Commissioner of Charities (COC).

In a response to queries that was sent close to midnight yesterday (Oct 21), the COC said: “The COC will seek representations from the City Harvest Church and the seven suspended individuals … as to why the COC should not remove them. The COC will consider fully and fairly all representations received before making a decision”

In August 2013, the COC had agreed to defer proceedings to remove eight former CHC executive members until this court case concludes. These eight individuals include all six offenders convicted yesterday — founder and senior pastor Kong Hee, his deputy Tan Ye Peng, John Lam, Sharon Tan, Chew Eng Han and Serina Wee. The remaining two are Mr Kelvin Teo Meng How and Ms Jacqueline Tan Su Pheng. Former church investment manager Chew Eng Han, who was also convicted yesterday, left CHC shortly after the trial started in 2013.

The consent of the Attorney-General is required before a removal order can be made by the COC.

Church founder Kong Hee, his deputy Tan Ye Peng, former church investment manager Chew Eng Han, former church accountant Serina Wee Gek Yin, former church finance manager Sharon Tan Shao Yuen and former church board member John Lam Leng Hung were found guilty of misappropriating S$50.6 million of church funds yesterday.

They faced three to 10 charges each of criminal breach of trust and/or falsification of accounts.