Two Singaporeans have been charged in connection with assisting lawyer Lim Tean in leaving Singapore amid ongoing legal proceedings. Mohammad Adam Abd Karim, 44, and Sulaiman Muhammad Firdaus, 37, appeared in court on August 8 facing one count each of conspiracy to commit an act likely to obstruct the course of justice.

According to court documents, the two men were involved in making arrangements for Lim to depart Singapore on August 4. Further details on their actions were not disclosed during the hearing.

Lim Tean was initially due to surrender on August 3 to begin serving a jail sentence for practising law without a valid practising certificate. However, he failed to do so and was subsequently arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police in Johor Bahru on August 6 following the issuance of an arrest warrant by Singapore authorities. The Singapore Police Force has stated that it is working closely with Malaysian officials to secure Lim’s return.

Lim was convicted in July 2024 of three charges under the Legal Profession Act and originally sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment and fined S$1,000 in February 2025. The charges stemmed from his appearances in court and submission of legal documents on 32 occasions between April and June 2021 while lacking a valid practising certificate.

Following his conviction, Lim filed an appeal against both the conviction and sentence. Prosecutors also appealed, seeking a harsher penalty. In February 2026, the High Court increased Lim’s jail term to three months and one week, allowing the prosecution’s appeal.

In a separate disciplinary proceeding in April 2026, Lim was fined S$30,000 for misconduct related to his handling of a client’s cheque for the same amount.

The case involving Adam and Sulaiman has been adjourned for further hearing on August 14. Under Singapore law, offences involving obstruction of justice carry penalties of up to seven years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.