How do 85 cheating charges reflect the scale of the 2018 Haj scam?

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The 85 charges filed against a 60-year-old man indicate a significant scope for the 2018 Haj tour scam, which affected 80 victims and involved nearly S$100,000.

The 85 charges, including 69 counts of "cheating and dishonestly inducing a delivery of property," reflect the extensive nature of the alleged fraud. This specific charge carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine, highlighting the seriousness with which such offences are treated. The total sum purportedly defrauded from 80 individuals seeking to perform the Haj pilgrimage underscores the widespread impact of the scam.
Multiple Counts for Individual Transactions

The sheer volume of 85 charges suggests that the prosecution is likely pursuing individual counts for each instance of deceit or financial transaction related to the scam. This approach aims to meticulously document the alleged criminal conduct, potentially linking specific sums of money or passport handovers to distinct charges. The 69 counts of "cheating and dishonestly inducing a delivery of property" specifically point to the alleged deception involved in obtaining money and documents from victims under false pretences.
Broad Victim Base and Financial Loss

In total, 80 individuals are reported to have been victims of this scam, collectively losing close to S$100,000. The police report lodged on August 15, 2018, detailed that these 80 individuals had paid for their Haj tours but did not receive confirmation for flights and visas. The 60-year-old suspect allegedly took possession of victims' passports and over S$98,000 based on the false promise of facilitating their pilgrimage.
Context of a Second Accused

The charging of the 60-year-old man marks the second individual to face legal action in connection with this scam. Previously, on August 17, 2018, a 47-year-old religious teacher, Fahrorazi Sohoi, was charged for allegedly cheating a man out of S$1,550 by falsely claiming he could arrange a "VIP Haj" tour through an invitation from the Saudi embassy. The involvement of multiple individuals in orchestrating the scam could contribute to the multiplicity of charges faced by each.

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How do 85 cheating charges reflect the scale of the 2018 Haj scam?

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