Kwan is a wanted man in Singapore
Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan could face 3 years in prison for avoiding conscription in Singapore.
Business Insider reports that Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan could face up to 3 years in jail for dodging military service in Singapore.
The Singaporean native has been accused of dodging conscription and faces 3 years in prison or a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Kwan faces arrest if he returns to Singapore, where Crazy Rich Asians takes place.
All male Singaporean citizens are required by law to serve for two years in the military, police, or civil defenses forces after they turn 18.
In a statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Defense said, “Mr. Kevin Kwan failed to register for National Service (NS) in 1990, despite notices and letters sent to his overseas address. He also stayed overseas without a valid exit permit. Mr. Kwan is therefore wanted for defaulting on his NS obligations.”
“In 1994, his application and subsequent appeal to renounce his Singapore citizenship without serving NS were rejected. Mr. Kwan has committed offences under the Enlistment Act, and is liable to a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 years upon conviction.”
Kwan applied to renounce his Singaporean citizenship without serving and his application was rejected in 1994 according to the Minsitry. The 44-year-old moved to the US when he was 11.
Crazy rich Asians held its premiere in Singapore on Tuesday but Kwan was not present.
In related news, due to the immediate success of the film, a sequel to Crazy Rich Asians is already in the works.