An Indian national is among two individuals charged with allegedly cheating a cultural organisation of more than SGD 1.6 million (about USD 1.3 million), according to local media reports.Between April and December 2023, Alagappan Muthu, 53, and Singaporean Ching Wai Leng, 81, allegedly conspired on nine occasions to defraud Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng in Bishan, Channel News Asia reported. The organisation operates a columbarium housing cinerary urns.Citing the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), the report said Ching was then head of the maintenance section at the columbarium, while Muthu was a director at KKV Construction, a private firm. Ching also owned and served as a director of Asiabuild Enterprises, which provides general construction and waterproofing services.The duo allegedly arranged for KKV Construction to secure contracts — including plastering, painting, washing and repair works — through an open tender process. In turn, KKV Construction subcontracted the projects to Asiabuild Enterprises.By concealing this arrangement from the management committee, they allegedly misled the organisation’s president into approving payments totalling about SGD 1,661,785 (approximately USD 1.3 million) to KKV Construction.Both men face nine similar cheating charges at the State Courts, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for May 21. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in jail and fines.