Thangavelu

Consultant
Head of Crime

Mr. Thangavelu (“Mr. Velu”) is one of Singapore’s leading criminal defence lawyers. With over 37 years of criminal practice to his name, he has earned a stellar reputation for his tenacity, dedication and results at the bar, securing significant acquittals and appeals for his clients in some of the most complex and challenging cases.

Before joining Trident as a consultant in 2019, Mr Velu was the sole proprietor of his own firm, Thangavelu LLC. He now leads a highly regarded criminal defence team at Trident. From state court level hearings through to the Supreme Court, he is always in high demand, regularly instructed as counsel of choice by other law firms.

With a caseload running the gamut of criminal offences with penalties reaching up to the death penalty, Mr Velu is known for taking on tough cases which would daunt many others.

Mr Velu is also a respected authority on white collar crimes, he acts on behalf of clients in a wide range of corruption charges. His comprehensive procedural knowledge keeps his clients one step ahead of the legal process, protecting their reputation and legal position at every stage.

For many of his clients, what really sets Mr Velu apart is his ability to look beyond the obvious. Never one to take a case at face value, he takes every set of facts seriously, and leaves no stone unturned in exploring every avenue to build a defence. Staunchly objective and uncompromising in his commitment to justice, he sets aside personal judgement, focusing only on the application of the law.

With decades of experience crafting defence strategies, Mr Velu is renowned for his knowledge of the criminal legal system. Combined with his forensic approach and tendency to spot key details that others might miss, makes him a formidable opponent in the courtroom. Tackling the most difficult cases with tenacity, rigour and integrity, there is no better advocate to have on your side.

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Practice Areas

Notable Cases

Mr. Velu won an appeal against the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (“IRAS”) – addressing the issues on whether a $4.6M gain made by his clients ought to be taxed or treated as capital gains (and therefore, not subject to tax).
Sometime in 2021, Mr Velu reopened a drug trafficking case on appeal, and successfully argued for a retrial of an accused who was initially convicted and sentenced to death. Throughout the 40-day hearing, Mr Velu challenged the admissibility of the alleged confessions made by the accused in seven of his statements. As a result, all seven statements were ruled inadmissible and excluded from evidence. The accused was then spared the death penalty and was sentenced to a significantly much lesser sentence of imprisonment instead.
Corruption case: The accused was acquitted of all charges when the material Prosecution Witness admitted – while under cross examination by Mr Velu – that he lied in his sworn testimony in court.
In a recent case where the accused was charged with 6 alleged offences for keeping and permitting the use of a deregistered motorcycle, Mr Velu and his defence team got the accused an acquittal on the basis of a “no case to answer”, at the closure of the Case for the Prosecution.

Testimonials

Velu is one of the finest defence counsel I have worked with. His fierce dedication to his clients is matched by his considerable courtroom skills. He has inspired many young lawyers and continues to be a “go-to” lawyer who is respected and recognised by the fraternity and clients.

N Sreenivasan, Senior Counsel, Advocate & Solicitor

I have known Mr. Thangavelu for 15 years. He is a man of exceptional acumen in the analysis of criminal law and its application in criminal proceedings. It would not be far from the truth to say he is THE best criminal trial lawyer I have had the pleasure of working with in my 22 years of legal practice.

Gokulakannan, Kannan SG, Advocate & Solicitor

Mr. Velu is a true doyen of the criminal bar. Someone who has the ability to see the solution with absolute clarity, when everyone just sees confusion.

Sanjiv Rajan, Advocate & Solicitor

Mr. Thangavelu is a highly revered lawyer amongst our legal fraternity and has an illustrious legal career spanning more than thirty years. He has handled countless criminal cases at all levels and earned a reputation of being a fearsome cross-examiner in the courtroom. To quote Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants”, and I am grateful to have him as one of my mentors during my formative years as a budding criminal lawyer.

Josephus Tan, Advocate & Solicitor

I have known Velu for more than 20 years, both in my dealings with him as a fellow advocate and solicitor and as a friend. As a lawyer, he is sharp and incisive in his handling of cases. He may appear intimidating, displaying impatience and speaking gruffly at times but beneath that tough veneer is a gentleman who is extremely kind, helpful and compassionate. He is renowned for his criminal law practice as he believes in justice, justice and justice!!! A remarkable lawyer indeed and one who is well regarded and respected by fellow lawyers.

As a friend, he always has time to listen and lend support. He is reliable and true. The phrase, “a friend in need is a friend indeed” epitomises Velu.

Grace Kwek, Advocate & Solicitor

Testimonials

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