SINGAPORE — Social media influencer Genie Yamaguchi, 30, known for her Instagram presence with nearly 15,000 followers, pleaded guilty on August 26 to shoplifting more than S$600 worth of merchandise from a Don Don Donki outlet.
The theft occurred at the Orchard Central branch around 2:30 a.m. in August 2024. Yamaguchi and her friend, Lee Suet Keay, 29, took 27 items—mostly makeup and skincare products—without paying. CCTV footage captured the incident, and the two were arrested the following month.
Among the stolen goods were a Sanrio tote bag, Colorrose blush, vitamin C serums, and packaged food, totaling S$628.90. According to police, only nine of the stolen items were recovered.
Yamaguchi has since reimbursed the retailer, and prosecutors are recommending a Day Reporting Order—a form of community-based sentencing—as she has no prior criminal record. Her lawyer emphasized her remorse and cooperation throughout the process.
Lee Suet Keay, however, faces additional charges, including separate alleged thefts from Mustafa Center, totaling over S$3,000, and will appear in court this September.
At the time of her arrest, Yamaguchi was promoting beauty services and preserved flowers through her online platforms.
