An unlicensed travel agent in Singapore has been convicted and handed a prison sentence.
A total of 27 charges were brought against Bambi Kee Kim Noi in the Singapore Tourism Board prosecution including the charge of operating without a valid travel agent license in contravention of the Travel Agents Act.
Kee was handed a $7,500 fined for that but was jailed for 12 months for misappropriating money received from clients for travel bookings.
That affected 16 clients, the STB said.
"The STB 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," it said in a statement posted on its site.
Unlicensed agents are liable for fines of up to $10,000 under rules in the Travel Agents Act.
The STB again urged potential customers to consult the Travel Related Users’ System (TRUST) to check if an agent is licensed.
