Aussie chef faces caning, jail after alleged robbery in Singapore

A “maestro” Aussie restaurateur living in Singapore was arrested after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars at knifepoint.

An Aussie chef is facing prison time and 12 lashes of a cane in Singapore after being arrested over an alleged armed robbery this month.

Jose Manuel Pacheco, 39, allegedly stole $6095 (AU$7700) at knifepoint from a moneylender in the city state’s Tampines precinct on June 3.

Police allege he was wearing a mask and cap at the time, and demanded the cash to be put in a bag before being arrested 30 minutes later.

Mr Pacheco has been charged with armed robbery, an offence which “carries an imprisonment term of between three to 14 years, and at least 12 strokes of the cane”.

Jose Manuel Pacheco was arrested this month.

Cash recovered by Singapore police. Pictures: Supplied

Caning is a common corporal punishment in Singapore – a nation notoriously tough on crime – and is mandatory for offences including rape, robbery and overstaying in the country without a permit.

It is administered by trained prison guards and the practice is said to cause excruciating pain.

Perth-raised restaurateur Mr Pacheco had been living in the South Asian country where he was running the up-market Spanish eatery Tapas Club.

Singapore Police Force released a statement on the day of his arrest saying a female staff member at the outlet “maintained her composure” and gave officers a “detailed description” of the man.

“When the officers arrived, they observed a man fitting the description, and subsequently placed him under arrest. The man was arrested within half an hour of the robbery,” it said.

“The stolen cash was recovered in full, along with the knife used in the commission of the offence.”

The 39-year-old is described as a “maestro” and loving father. Picture: Facebook/Tapas Club

Police allege Mr Pacheco did not go far from the scene and was arrested while watching officers investigating the robbery.

Commander of Bedok Police Division, Assistant Commissioner Justin Wong said the description provided by the alleged victim “was vital in the swift arrest”.

“Credit goes to the responding officers for their keen observation skills and good ground knowledge, that they were able to arrest the armed robber within 30 minutes of the robbery.”

Local media has reported the alleged robbery took place about 1.42pm at licensed moneylender outlet Accredit at Block 503 Tampines Central 1.

Items allegedly used in the robbery. Picture: Singapore Police Force

According to the Strait Times, Mr Pacheco looked “dishevelled” when he appeared in court via video link on June 4.

He was granted bail on a $20,000 surety and the case was adjourned for four weeks.

Mr Pacheco must remain contactable by the investigation officer and must surrender his passport.

Tapas Club has shared pictures of the West Australian as recently as November, with one post reading: “When our very own Head of Tapas Club, Jose, steps out to serve you, you know it’s a special day!”

Another post on the restaurant’s Facebook page describes Mr Pacheco as “the maestro behind Tapas Club” and a father-of-two who juggles his “passion for hospitality with family life”.

He is due to return to Singapore’s State Courts for a further mention on July 2.

The Australian High Commission in Singapore has been contacted for comment.