Influencer stole over $600 worth of beauty products with friend at Don Don Donki in Orchard
A 30-year-old social media influencer stole over $600 worth of beauty products with a friend at Don Don Donki at Orchard Central.
The accused, Genie Yamaguchi, who has about 14,800 followers on Instagram, pleaded guilty on Aug 26 to one count of theft with common intention.
In her online bio, Yamaguchi described herself as a gamer who also runs a preserved-flower business and a beauty clinic.
The incident took place on Aug 25, 2024, between 2.30am and 3am.
Court documents revealed that Yamaguchi and her friend Li Xuekai, 28, entered the Don Don Donki store and took 27 items from display shelves.
The items included cosmetic sponges, lipsticks and serums, which the pair placed into a shopping cart. They then left the store without paying, reported Shin Min Daily News.
A staff member on duty spotted the duo and alerted a manager. CCTV footage revealed the theft and a police report was lodged.
Yamaguchi was arrested the following month. Out of the 27 stolen items, only nine were returned. Both women later expressed willingness to make restitution for the rest of the stolen goods.
Prosecutors noted that Yamaguchi has no prior convictions and requested that she undergo assessment for Day Reporting Order (DRO). Her lawyer agreed, adding that Yamaguchi had already compensated Don Don Donki on Aug 22.
The judge ordered a report on Yamaguchi's suitability for DRO. Her sentencing is scheduled for Sept 23.
Li is facing three additional theft charges.
She had allegedly stolen slippers worth $90 from a Watsons outlet at Suntec City on Aug 23, 2024. Four days later, she allegedly took a $45 tumbler from JCube. She is also accused of shoplifting more than $3,200 worth of goods from Mustafa Centre on April 28.
Her case is pending and will be mentioned in court again on Sept 1.
