Posted on Channel News Asia 21 Jun 2016
A former facilities engineer with the Institute of Microelectronics (IME) pleaded guilty to five corruption charges and one of lying that he had misplaced his Singapore passport. A total of thirteen other corruption charges were considered during his sentencing.
His duties included recommending quotations for services to the IME for his supervisor’s approval.
Deputy Public Prosecutor said the defendant`s scheme of corruption started in 2011 when he asked if he could be given “commission” in exchange for future jobs.
Between 2012 and 2013, he engaged in a further scheme of corruption involving the advancement of the business interests of three companies.
He obtained bribes of $9,500 to $49,700 as reward for advancing the business interests of the three companies with IME between 2012 and 2013. The 68 contracts awarded to the three companies was valued at $698,887.The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau started investigations into the case in February 2014.
The DPP said while the defendant was released on investigation bail and had his passport impounded, he went on to apply for a new passport. He lied to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority that he had misplaced his passport and got a replacement. He booked a flight to Shanghai, but was arrested at Changi Airport.
Sentence:
The former employee has been jailed for 31/2 years.
He was also ordered to pay a penalty of $202,430, or 40 weeks’ jail in default. He did not pay the penalty and will serve the default sentence.
He could have been fined up to $100,000 and/or jailed for up to five years on each corruption charge. The maximum penalty for the Passports Act offence is a $10,000 fine and 10 years’ jail.
