Listed fintech consultancy VCPlus is being probed by the authorities in a case that is linked to another listed company, Sevens Atelier for possible offences under the Securities and Futures Act.
According to VCPlus, the Commercial Affairs Department and the Monetary Authority of Singapore have asked for documents and emails belonging to executive director Lim Beng Chew and Cedric Yap Kun Hao, head of its subsidiary Apec Solutions, that are related to business dealings with Sevens Atelier in 2021 and 2022.
According to VCPlus, it will extend its full cooperation. It added that it did not have any business dealings with Sevens Atelier in 2021 and the business dealings in 2022 related to website development were "immaterial".
VCPlus adds that Lim and Yap have both been interviewed by the CAD and that they have also surrendered their passports.
As of Sept 23, Lim and Yap have both confirmed they have not been charged and no further conditions or restrictions have been imposed.
Meanwhile, VCPlus is putting Lim on leave for three months, subject to further extension. His duties will be covered by CEO Clarence Chong, who does not sit on the board.
See also: Sembcorp issues $350 mil of guaranteed notes due 2036 at 3.65%
On the other hand, Yap, "after much deliberation" by the board, can continue to work in the next three months "to ensure immediate continuity", although he is to be removed as a bank signatory.
VCPlus, which provides fintech consultancy services, was previously a Malaysia-based quarry miner Anchor Resources.
Seven Alterliers, meanwhile, was called Pan Asian Holdings, and the company's name was changed after new shareholders took control.
According to Sevens Atelier's earlier announcement on Sept 20, it has been told to provide information belonging to Richard Koh Chye Heng, its former executive chairman and CEO, as well as those of executive director Vanessa Lim Xiu Fang and business development director Tang Yao Zhi.
Incidentally, Tang is a substantial shareholder of VCPlus, with a stake of 12.88%, according to a July 25 filing.
