Aesthetic doctor pleads guilty after stalking, threatening, and forcibly abducting his former partner.
A highly disturbing case involving a Singaporean aesthetic doctor has captured public attention after he was convicted of violently abducting his ex-girlfriend and threatening to leak her intimate photos. The events, which spanned nearly a year, reveal a chilling pattern of harassment, obsession, and violence.
Relationship Breakdown Turns Criminal
Chua Cheng Yu, 40, founder of Veritas Medical Aesthetics, was convicted on August 5, 2025, after pleading guilty to four charges: criminal force, harassment, causing hurt, and unlawful restraint. His former partner, Zhang, had worked as a clinic manager before their tumultuous relationship spiraled into repeated abuse and stalking.
The pair began dating in 2022, but frequent arguments and growing distrust led Zhang to resign in March 2023. That same evening, Chua forced his way into her apartment, damaged property, and assaulted her—marking the beginning of a disturbing pattern of violence.
Escalation to Physical Abuse and Threats
Chua’s obsession continued to intensify. He returned to Zhang’s home multiple times on April 1, 2023, physically assaulting her and taking her belongings, including her phone and laptop. He later manipulated her into handing over her house key by pretending he would return her phone, only to flee with the key.
On May 24, he harassed her through messages and even a mobile game, threatening to share her private photos when she refused to rekindle the relationship. These threats culminated in a brazen public abduction months later.
Shocking Abduction in Broad Daylight
On the night of March 1, 2024, Zhang left her new workplace near International Plaza at around 10pm. Chua, waiting nearby, intercepted her and—after repeated rejections—forcefully shoved her into his car. CCTV and in-car footage revealed Zhang’s desperate attempts to escape, including climbing out a window at a traffic junction.
Though she momentarily escaped after tricking him into driving her home, Chua chased her down and tackled her near her condominium. She finally broke free and found protection with a condo security guard. Chua fled the scene, leaving behind bruises, abrasions, and trauma.
Legal and Mental Health Proceedings
Chua was arrested hours later at a Novena hotel basement on March 2, 2024. While later diagnosed with major depressive disorder, the prosecution asserted that he was of sound mind during the abduction. A report has been ordered to determine Chua’s suitability for a Mandatory Treatment Order, which could allow psychiatric treatment in place of prison time.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Benjamin Low stated that a compensation order is being pursued, covering the victim’s medical expenses. Zhang has also submitted her own claim to the court.
Implications for Justice and Public Safety
The case has sparked concern about the protection of victims of intimate partner violence, especially when the aggressor is in a position of social and professional power. Despite his conviction, Chua remains listed as a doctor on the Veritas Medical Aesthetics website, raising ethical concerns about patient safety and professional accountability.
The court will sentence Chua on October 1, 2025. His case highlights the need for stronger preventive mechanisms, mental health interventions, and protection for victims of emotional and physical abuse.
This chilling case underscores the urgency for both Singapore and Indonesia to address the intersection of mental health, domestic violence, and public safety. With growing cross-border societal awareness, legal systems must evolve to prioritize victim protection and ensure perpetrators face both justice and necessary treatment.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Chua Cheng Yu, Zhang, Singapore Court Case, Veritas Medical Aesthetics, Mental Health, Abduction Case
