SINGAPORE — Former UBS executive director Juerg Buergin had met with at least 10 escorts from the online agency operated by Tang Boon Thiew between Sept 29, 2010 and Nov 7, 2011, the court heard today.

The Swiss national, who married with two children and is the first to claim trial in the high-profile online vice ring scandal, had assumed that the escorts were all aged between 18 and 43.

On the few occasions when the escorts he requested were not available, Tang would recommend other girls to Beurgin, including “Chantelle”, the then underaged girl at the centre of the case.

Chantelle, now aged 20, was 17 at the time she had sex with Beurgin.

Beurgin, 41, is charged with two counts of having commercial sex with a minor below 18 years old twice on Sept 29 2010 at the Shangri-La Hotel and on Jan 3, 2011 at Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

He has pleaded not guilty and is seeking to prove to the court that he had in fact been cheated by Tang, who he alleged deliberately hid Chantelle’s real age.

The website where Beurgin got to know about Chantelle had also stated that she was 18 years old.

Whenever she met clients, Chantelle had brought along her the identity card of her elder sister who was two years older.

It was also heard in court that Tang had told Chantelle that she should pick up more clients as she wanted to earn more money.

Chantelle takes the stand today behind closed doors. ASHLEY CHIA