A total of 27 charges were brought against Kee. She was fined a total of S$7,500 in default of 25 days’ imprisonment for five such charges. The remaining 22 charges were taken into consideration in sentencing.
The Singapore Tourism Board has cracked down on an unlicensed agent who scammed unsuspecting clients.
Bambi Kee Kim Noi has been convicted in the Singapore state courts for carrying on the business of a travel agent without a valid travel agent licence.
A total of 27 charges were brought against Kee. She was fined a total of S$7,500 in default of 25 days’ imprisonment for five such charges. The remaining 22 charges were taken into consideration in sentencing.
Kee was also charged and convicted for a related offence, and sentenced to imprisonment for 12 months for criminal breach of trust by her misappropriating monies entrusted to her by consumers as an agent.
Her sentence has been deferred and will commence no later than April 13, 2018.
Investigations revealed that Kee started her unlicensed travel agent activities in 2012, when she had claimed to be a freelance travel agent and sold air tickets and hotel accommodation vouchers. In early 2013, Kee faced financial difficulties but continued to take on consumer transactions without fulfilling them, thereby affecting 16 consumers who then lodged police reports.
In a statement, the STB said it takes a serious view against those who engage in unlicensed travel agent activities “and will not hesitate to take actions to protect consumers’ interests and uphold the reputation of Singapore’s tourism sector”.
Under Section 6 of the pre-amended Travel Agents Act, any person found guilty of carrying on the business of a travel agent without a valid travel agent licence faces a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years.
Under the amended Travel Agents Act that took effect on January 1, 2018, commission of the same offence will carry a higher maximum fine of $25,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years.