Singapore CEO Loses Case to Recover S$468,000 in Gifts to Ex-Girlfriend
Bbc · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
A Singaporean businessman has lost his court battle to reclaim nearly half a million dollars he lavished on his ex-girlfriend during their romance. The High Court ruled that Chander Agarwal, chief executive of a logistics company, had "willingly" spent the money on Felicia Lee, a former flight attendant, and had explicitly told her repayment was not expected.
Key Points
- Chander Agarwal filed the lawsuit in March 2024 seeking to recover S$468,000 (approximately HK$2.89 million) from his ex-girlfriend Felicia Lee
- The couple met aboard a flight in 2019 and were in a romantic relationship from September 2022 until December 2023, when Agarwal suspected Lee of infidelity
- Agarwal claimed the money constituted "interest-free loans," including S$206,000 in credit card charges, S$129,000 for overseas trips, S$17,000 for a fengshui master, and S$20,000 for life insurance
- Senior Judge Lee Seiu Kin found that Agarwal lacked documentary evidence and that his case was driven by bitterness after the breakup
- The judge noted Agarwal "displayed a consistent pattern of showering [Lee] with lavish gifts" even before the relationship began and repeatedly assured her repayment was unnecessary
Why It Matters
The ruling underscores the legal principle that gifts made during relationships are generally irrevocable, regardless of how the relationship ends. It also highlights the importance of clear documentation when financial arrangements between partners are intended as loans rather than gifts.
The ruling underscores the legal principle that gifts made during relationships are generally irrevocable, regardless of how the relationship ends. It also highlights the importance of clear documentation when financial arrangements between partners are intended as loans rather than gifts.