Former China tour guide Yang Yin seeks to retain some control over widow's fortune

Former China tour guide Yang Yin leaving the Police Cantonment Complex alone on Sept 18, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW
Former China tour guide Yang Yin leaving the Police Cantonment Complex alone on Sept 18, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

SINGAPORE - Former China tour guide Yang Yin has applied to the court to maintain some control over a widow's estimated $40 million assets after his Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) was revoked last month.

The 40-year-old, who is also a beneficiary in Madam Chung Khin Chun's will, on Wednesday applied to be a defendant in the case brought by Madam Chung's niece Madam Hedy Mok, who is applying for full deputy powers to manage her assets and daily matters.

Yang's lawyer Joseph Liow said that being a defendant in the case would mean that Yang could object to Madam Mok's application or ask the court to set limits on her powers.

Earlier, the court had granted Madam Mok only limited deputy powers to commence legal proceedings on behalf of her aunt to preserve or recover her assets.

Mr Liow added that Yang has "the right to object" to her application as he has an interest in Madam Chung's estate. In 2010, the wealthy widow changed her will to appoint Yang as sole executor and beneficiary of her estate.

The next court session will take place on Jan 15.

Yang, a Chinese national, also faces 334 charges for immigration offences and falsifying receipts made to his company Young Music and Dance Studio. He met the widow in 2008 while acting as her personal tour guide on a trip to Beijing.

A year later, he moved in with the widow, who has no children, at her Gerald Crescent bungalow - estimated to be worth $30 million.

He is also involved in a separate lawsuit brought by Madam Mok, who is trying to add his wife, parents and previous bailor as defendants. She has alleged that Yang manipulated her aunt into handing over her assets.

kcarolyn@sph.com.sg

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.