A 19-year manhunt for a S’porean tycoon involved in a $72 million embezzlement case ended in JB.

In 2008, the Straits Times reported that an investigation found he had allegedly earned more than $51 million from his shows, worth about $72 million at the time.

His wife, Thor Chwee Hwa (55), allegedly colluded with him, and the two Singaporeans fled the country in 2005 while the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) was investigating the case.

The agency investigates cases of corruption and profiting from criminal behavior, e.g. money laundering.

The pair eluded capture for 19 years.

Then came a breakthrough in the case on December 3 when they were arrested in Johor Bahru by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

On the same day, MACC handed over a pair to CPIB.

ST understands that while on the run, the pair evaded authorities by assuming different identities.

They will be charged on December 4.

Ng was charged with one count of criminal breach of trust, while Thor was charged with one count under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Offenses (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.

As part of his scheme, Ng allegedly bribed several people, and 12 people were sentenced to prison terms ranging from eight months to eight years for their roles in the crimes.