Wife's name is Joyce Fong and was and still is the Head of Legal and Company Secretary to SGX whose chairman is JY Pillay. David's girlfriend works in PMO. Joyce can be a bit of a gong gong when it comes to things like this. David took the money because CAD investigations identified a number of lawyers involved with HDB / Ah Long false declaration scheme and he was going to be arrested. The other prominent lawyer in this case that was charged , convicted and acquitted on appeal is the brother of Ivy Singh-lim.
Joyce was a Uni Beauty Queen and was known for cradle snatching David who was in his first year in Law School and she in her 3rd year. But she had no clue about what was going on.
The reason Singapore fugitives don't go or remain in Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Philippines and Thailand are due to the fact that local Police will visit every month without fail for protection money. No mercy. Educated people like lawyers go to Australia. I am sure you know all this.
Not aware DR was about to be arrested by CAD. Am aware he was facing financial problems, with creditors visiting his condo quite regularly. Was even told his Camry (I think) was towed away even before he chaboked with Raymond's $$$ and diamonds from Jewels De Fred located at Hyatt Hotel. Wonder if you know this Hkee Fred chap. Bankrupted many times in HK and yet managed to secure PR and lived in a district 10 condo.
DR went round telling almost everyone of some influence he was nephew of Harry Elias! He was more Matsalleh than Mat. Smooth operator who would have done well as an intel operative overseas. Telling lies without blinking was his forte. Any confirmation on his sexual inclination? His PMO girlfriend, I was told, was just a girl and a friend, a platonic relationship.
Wrt fugitives, yes, the more educated will take cover in Western countries (Tan Cheng Han???). The ah bengs will choose Bangkok, JB, KL and Phomn Penh. At least 20 such chaps are still moving around without fear of discovery or arrest. It depends on who is feeding these chaps. Some even started families overseas, speak local languages and drive like locals. They don't look like S'poreans anymore!
I opine Joyce was aware of what was happening. Her brother returned money entrusted from DR when his case was reported. No idea if it was fear of arrest (abetment) or honesty that drove him o return cash entrusted.
My hunch is that DR would not want to be too close for comfort. Indonesia and Malaysia can be safely excluded though he was reportedly spotted in JB. If I have to make a guess, I think he may be in HCM city. His closest buddy has connections here.