THE police and insurance giant AIA are investigating claims by a
semi-retired Indonesian businessman that his insurance agent sold
him a non-existent insurance policy that cost a whopping US$5
million (S$6.5 million).
The sensational case, which industry experts say is the first of
its kind in Singapore, is currently before the courts.
The businessman, Mr Ong Han Ling, 72, is suing the agent, Ms
Sally Low Ai Ming, for about $3.6 million plus loss of use of his
funds. The $3.6 million is the amount left outstanding after the
agent made restitution for some of the policy premiums.
In her defence, 33-year-old Ms Low, who was sacked by AIA in
September last year, has alleged that the fake insurance plan -
called the 'AIA Thank You Policy' - was part of an elaborate ploy
conceived by Mr Ong to defraud AIA. She claimed she was merely an
accomplice.
The Sunday Times obtained legal documents filed by both parties
and they revealed intriguing claims that included a fake policy
schedule and forged letters from AIA officials such as Mr Mark
O'Dell, then the insurer's general manager in Singapore.
In his suit, Mr Ong said that the trouble began when he and his
wife Enny Ariandini Pramana, 71, bought several policies from Ms
Low, from 2000. Over time, Ms Low became a trusted friend to the
Ong family and visited their home in Scotts Road regularly, he
added.
-- ST