SINGAPORE – A 54-year-old man, Wu Zhihong, has been sentenced to two weeks in jail for helping another individual illegally enter Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated concert in Singapore. The incident occurred during The Eras Tour at the National Stadium on March 7, 2024.
Wu attempted to deceive security personnel into believing that 20-year-old Yan Shuqing had a valid ticket for the sold-out event. He also distracted a security officer while Yan followed a legitimate concertgoer through the turnstile gate. However, Yan was quickly caught and escorted out of the venue.
Taylor Swift’s Singapore concerts were part of her globally celebrated Eras Tour, attracting over 368,000 attendees to the Singapore Sports Hub between March 2 and March 9, 2024. Tickets for the six concerts sold out within eight hours, making them some of the most sought-after events of the year.
Taylor Swift’s Singapore concerts were part of her globally celebrated Eras Tour, attracting over 368,000 attendees to the Singapore Sports Hub between March 2 and March 9, 2024.
Concertgoers underwent two levels of security checks: a person security check and a ticket scan at the turnstile gates. Despite these measures, Yan attempted to enter illegally after purchasing a “ticket” for 3,000 yuan (S$557) from an unauthorized seller.
On the day of the concert, Wu met Yan near the venue and handed him a lanyard labeled “VIP” along with a wristband, both of which were official merchandise for VIP ticket holders. Wu advised Yan to tailgate other concertgoers at the turnstiles and assured him that presenting the lanyard and wristband to security officers would grant him entry if stopped.
As Yan queued to enter, Wu distracted a security officer by showing his phone and engaging in conversation, enabling Yan to slip through. However, Yan was spotted by another officer and promptly removed from the venue. CCTV footage captured the entire incident.
After Yan was escorted out, Wu transferred 3,000 yuan back to him and urged him not to disclose the transaction to authorities. Despite these actions, Wu was later charged and pleaded guilty to intending to cheat security officers.
The prosecution highlighted the seriousness of the case, noting that Wu’s actions disrupted the event and compromised security at the heavily attended concert. Deputy Public Prosecutor Darren Ang emphasized the importance of maintaining safety and security at high-profile events, stating, “Actions that disrupt or undermine these efforts must be uncompromisingly dealt with.”
In addition to this incident, Wu himself committed a similar offence shortly after by tailgating another concertgoer to gain entry to the National Stadium, further showcasing a pattern of persistent behavior.
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Wu is not the only individual charged for such offences during Swift’s concerts. Two others, Yang Chenguang and Li Xiao Wei, were previously accused of assisting others in bypassing security checks.
While Yan has not been prosecuted, the reasons remain unclear. Under Singapore law, criminal trespass can result in up to three months in jail, a fine of S$1,500, or both. Wu’s sentencing reflects the authorities’ commitment to addressing such breaches at large-scale events, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees.
