MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 16: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO BOOK COVERS Taylor Swift performs at Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 16, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

Singaporean authorities have apprehended and charged two individuals for their purported involvement in facilitating unauthorized entry into Taylor Swift’s concerts. The incidents unfolded on Monday, February 26, during the third installment of the pop sensation’s sold-out performances in the Southeast Asian city-state.

According to reports from reputable outlets such as The Independent and BBC News, one of the accused individuals reportedly engaged security personnel in conversation to create a distraction, while the other manipulated a turnstile to grant entry to three unauthorized individuals. Singaporean law enforcement officials confirmed the arrest of a third individual, who is currently under investigation and awaiting formal charges.

Singapore is known for its stringent legal framework, and those found guilty of offences such as cheating could face imprisonment for up to three years. Swift’s concerts, which formed part of her expansive ‘Eras’ tour, garnered exceptional demand during her visit to Singapore, as it represented the sole stop in the region. Tickets for the shows sold out months in advance.

One of the unauthorized attendees allegedly included Chinese influencer Yang Junhao, who claimed to have unwittingly purchased fake tickets. In a video posted to Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok, Junhao expressed his frustration, stating, “This is me after being told I bought fake tickets, and was brought out [of the concert] to be interrogated by the police.” He elaborated on his predicament, revealing his assistance in the investigation while lamenting his substantial financial loss.

Security personnel at the Singapore Sports Hub venue confirmed the detention of several individuals attempting to trespass into the concert premises. Organizers of the concerts reiterated their commitment to collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and security.

The exclusivity agreement for Swift’s concerts in Singapore, preventing her from performing in other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries, attracted criticism from lawmakers, including Philippine lawmaker Joey Salceda. He described the arrangement as contrary to the spirit of friendship among nations. However, Singapore’s Prime Minister defended the agreement, citing its success and affirming the prerogative of nations to negotiate terms for such arrangements.