Singapore authorities have stated that they would be unable to investigate or prosecute Mitchell Ong, the Singaporean man accused of murdering compatriot Audrey Fang in Spain, should he be deported.
This clarification follows a Spanish court’s decision to block the deportation request.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told CNA on 29 May 2025 that Singapore lacks legal jurisdiction over crimes committed outside its territory.
“Thus, if he is deported to Singapore, we would not be able to investigate or prosecute him for the alleged murder,” MHA stated in response to media queries.
Spanish law enforcement agencies have since confirmed they are prosecuting Ong within Spain.
The Singapore government, MHA said, will provide assistance within the scope of its laws.
The case has garnered attention since the body of 39-year-old architect Audrey Fang was found near a lorry parking area in Abanilla, Spain, on 10 April 2024.
She had travelled alone to Xabia in the Valencia region and was due to return to Singapore eight days later but became uncontactable on the same day her body was discovered.
A preliminary autopsy revealed she had suffered more than 30 stab wounds and head trauma.
Spanish media reported that Ong, who had known Fang for over a decade, was arrested several days later. Surveillance footage allegedly showed him picking her up from her hotel.
Authorities further disclosed that Ong had been nominated as the sole beneficiary of Fang’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) account, valued at approximately S$498,000, about six months prior to her death.
Testimonies from two of Fang’s friends, recorded on 26 June 2024, revealed she had told them she was meeting Ong during her trip.
The two had reportedly met via a social dating platform.
La Opinion reported in March 2025 that forensic tests found DNA from two men on Fang’s clothing, suggesting possible involvement of more than one individual.
Spanish judge cites legal protections under Article 57.7 in rejecting deportation sought by police and victim’s family
On 28 May 2025, a judge at the Court of First Instance and Instruction in Cieza ruled against a deportation request lodged by the Comisaria General de Extranjeria y Fronteras of the Spanish National Police.
The deportation request, supported by Fang’s family through a private prosecution, was deemed not to meet the criteria under Article 57.7 of Spain’s Organic Law on the rights and freedoms of foreigners.
In Spain, victims can hire private prosecutors to participate in criminal proceedings. These lawyers can submit evidence, request witness statements, and advocate for charges to be filed.
Ong’s defence lawyer, Maria Jesus Ruiz de Castaneda, opposed the deportation, arguing that it violated Spain’s constitutional principles and international commitments.
She cited the European Convention on Human Rights and the principle of non-refoulement, which prevents states from transferring individuals to countries where they may face threats, including the death penalty.
“Expulsion would be contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights, the principle of non-refoulement and Spain’s commitments against the death penalty,” she told Spanish media.
She added that Ong is involved in ongoing proceedings and must be tried in Spain with full due process.
Ruiz de Castaneda has called for a dismissal of the case unless all evidence is thoroughly examined. She said Ong has “firmly and consistently” denied any involvement in Fang’s death.
Both the Spanish public prosecutor and the private prosecution have requested that Ong be charged with murder.
Although Spain does not practise capital punishment, Singapore maintains the death penalty for crimes such as murder.
Had the deportation been approved, Spanish immigration authorities also sought a 10-year re-entry ban for Ong.
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