Shell heist: Second mastermind gets more than 25 years' jail for siphoning $100m of fuel
The authorities have seized nearly $7.7 million in assets from him, including $4.7 million in cash from a safe that was moved around various locations.
SINGAPORE – One of the two masterminds of a long-running scheme to misappropriate marine gas oil out of Shell's Pulau Bukom facility was sentenced to a jail term of 25 years and two months on July 7.
Abdul Latif Ibrahim, 67, admitted he led a group of rogue employees that siphoned $100 million worth of fuel between August 2014 and January 2018, which was then sold to local and foreign vessels.
Latif, whose salary was $3,700, received at least $7 million in illicit gains, which he spent on luxury watches, expensive cars and property.
The authorities have seized nearly $7.7 million in assets from him, including $4.7 million in cash from a safe that was moved around various locations.
He pleaded guilty to 20 charges of criminal breach of trust and 10 charges of money laundering. Another 34 charges were considered by the High Court during sentencing.
The other mastermind, Juandi Pungot, who was then 45 years old,
was sentenced to 29 years' jail in 2022 for his role in the largest marine fuel heist in Singapore's history.
Juandi had pleaded guilty to 20 charges of criminal breach of trust, 10 money laundering charges and six corruption charges.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August
Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses
Singapore Fewer marriages in Singapore in 2024; greater marital stability for recent unions
Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032
Asia 72-year-old man on diving trip to Pulau Tioman in Malaysia found dead on the beach
Singapore Jail for ex-auxiliary police officer who loaded one bullet and accidentally discharged revolver
Singapore $1.46b nickel scam: Ng Yu Zhi opts to remain silent after judge calls for his defence
Latif and Juandi both admitted that they began misappropriating fuel in 2007, when they were working in the same team.
The stolen oil was loaded onto a bunker ship, in deals brokered through a middleman.
The two men went on to expand the criminal enterprise by recruiting other members for their team.
In early 2013, Latif left the team after a falling-out with the other syndicate members.
That year, Latif accepted Shell's offer of re-employment, and was transferred to another team.
Latif then started a new syndicate by recruiting Richard Goh Chee Keong, who planned the illegal loadings with him.
Goh then recruited Ng Chee Seng. Ng later decided to stop the criminal activities, and was replaced in May 2015 by Mohd Ibrahim K. Abdul Majid.
Latif continued his illegal operations, separate from Juandi, until their arrests in 2018.
Each illegal loading began with the brokering of a deal to sell misappropriated fuel.
The vessels that received the stolen oil included those owned by Singaporean companies Sentek Marine & Trading and Sirius Marine, and Vietnamese entity Prime Shipping Corporation.
Using various methods to evade detection, the rogue employees worked together to route the gas oil from tanks onto the vessels.
They carefully planned routes in the pipelines to bypass meters, and activated pumps at the same time to mask the theft.
Where the meters could not be avoided, they temporarily tampered with them so that the illegal outflow would not be recorded.
Team members not involved in the illicit activities were encouraged to take longer breaks, and bribes were paid to bunker surveyors to not accurately report the amount of cargo loaded onto the vessels.
In early 2015, Shell began observing significant unidentified oil loss at Pulau Bukom.
After investigations, the company made a police report on Aug 1, 2017.
Between 2014 and 2018, Juandi's syndicate siphoned 203,403 tonnes of gas oil worth nearly $128 million.
Latif's group misappropriated 153,996 tonnes of gas oil, valued at about $100 million.
He spent his ill-gotten gains on a condominium unit in Braddell Road and two properties in Indonesia.
Latif bought at least three cars: a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S sedan, a Mercedes-Benz AMG E43M and a BMW 435I Gran Coupe M Sport.
He also invested money in a few businesses and funded the education for his two nephews in Australia.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ben Tan proposed a sentence of 25 to 27 years' jail for Latif, arguing that his culpability was similar to that of Juandi.
Latif's lawyer, Mr Justin Ng, sought 22 years' jail, arguing that the scale of the scheme carried out by his client was significantly smaller than that carried out by Juandi.
The lawyer added that his client will be consenting to the forfeiture of his seized properties to the state.
Latif was allowed to defer the start of his sentence to Sept 30.
Goh's and Ibrahim's cases are pending.
The other rogue employees have been sentenced to jail terms ranging from one year and four months to 26½ years.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
30 minutes ago
- Straits Times
America's TSA set to let travellers keep shoes on through airport security
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Shoes are screened at a TSA checkpoint at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. WASHINGTON – US travellers may soon no longer have to worry about removing their shoes to go through standard airport security checkpoints, a change that will likely speed up screening for airline passengers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is planning to update its policies to make the change, a move that would extend a benefit already available to individuals who pay for TSA PreCheck to most ordinary travellers, according to people familiar with the matter. TSA's reversal would end a policy that has been for nearly two decades one of the most visible – and criticised – features of the post-9/11 heightened US airport security system. Critics, who have long dismissed the shoe rule as more security theater than actual security, have also faulted the policy for increasing wait times at security checkpoints at American airports. The change would also put the US in line with most other global aviation hubs, including the European Union, Dubai and Singapore, which typically do not require travellers to take off their shoes when going through airport security. The US requirement to remove footwear was made mandatory in August 2006, following a failed attempt in 2001 by 'shoe bomber' Richard Reid to ignite explosives packed in one of his sneakers on an American Airlines flight. 'TSA and DHS (Department of Homeland Security) are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture,' the agency said in a statement when asked about the policy shift. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World 25% on Japan and Malaysia, 40% on Laos: Trump's tariff letters to Asia add pressure for deals by Aug 1 Business Asia markets edge up as Trump signals still open to tariff talks Singapore Ong Beng Seng's new pre-trial conference date set for July 23 Multimedia 'I suspect he's cheating': She finds proof when spouses stray Singapore MRT services resume on 5-station stretch of North-South Line after track fault Asia Thai authorities vow crackdown on cannabis-infused products after toddler hospitalised World Netanyahu says he nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Singapore Fastest charger to be added to Singapore's EV charging network by Q4 in 2025 'Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels,' it added. The plans were first reported by Mr Caleb Harmon-Marshall, a former TSA officer and the creator of the Gate Access travel newsletter. BLOOMBERG
Straits Times
41 minutes ago
- Straits Times
‘Irresponsible' Trump tariff threat draws ire of Brics host Lula
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the US president was 'irresponsible for threatening tariffs on social media'. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joined South Africa in blasting Mr Donald Trump for his threat to slap extra tariffs against the Brics , escalating a spat with the US leader during the final day hosting the 10-member group. Mr Lula said the US president was 'irresponsible for threatening tariffs on social media' before calling on world leaders to find ways to reduce international trade's reliance on the dollar, a position shared by the group of emerging market nations. Earlier, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the first leader to break cover and criticise Mr Trump for his comments overnight warning Brics members of penalties for adopting policies he said were 'anti-American'. 'It is really disappointing that when there is such a very positive collective manifestation such as Brics, there should be others who see it in negative light and want to punish those who participate,' Mr Ramaphosa told reporters in Rio de Janeiro as he left the two-day summit of Brics nations. 'It cannot be and should not be.' Before the press conference, Mr Lula's advisers had implored him not to take the bait and jack up tensions further. Members of the ten-nation grouping of emerging-market economies were mostly reluctant to engage with Mr Trump's warning of additional 10 per cent tariffs. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World 25% on Japan and Malaysia, 40% on Laos: Trump's tariff letters to Asia add pressure for deals by Aug 1 Business Asia markets edge up as Trump signals still open to tariff talks Singapore Ong Beng Seng's new pre-trial conference date set on July 23 Multimedia 'I suspect he's cheating': She finds proof when spouses stray Singapore MRT services resume on 5-station stretch of North-South Line after track fault Asia Thai authorities vow crackdown on cannabis-infused products after toddler hospitalised World Netanyahu says he nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Singapore Fastest charger to be added to Singapore's EV charging network by Q4 in 2025 Several officials from different nations said that it was not possible to second-guess what Mr Trump will do, since his original social-media post may be a specific threat or more rhetoric. Wait and see is the only option for the group's approach, they said. However, the final day of the Brics summit in Rio was heading toward a confrontation. Hours apart, Mr Trump sent two posts on Truth Social that put Brazil firmly in his crosshairs, first as the host nation and then jumping in defense of Mr Lula's political foe and presidential predecessor Jair Bolsonaro. The backdrop is an ever-changing tariff deadline on trade deals that has a swathe of countries, many of them attending the summit in Rio, facing punishing levies. Over the weekend, the Brics took aim at those US policies making clear they were directed at Mr Trump while avoiding calling him out by name. A separate declaration also condemned US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Top officials waking up to the news in a rainy Rio were adopting a wait-and-see approach. The South African president, however, opted to enter the fray, and the spotlight will be on Mr Lula when he gives a news conference slated for later in the day. 'There needs to be greater appreciation of the emergence of various centers of power in the world,' Mr Ramaphosa said, adding that it 'should be seen in positive light rather than in a negative light'. 'It cannot be that might should now be right where, in the end, those who are more powerful are the ones who seek to have vengeance against those who are seeking to do good in the world,' he said. Brics leaders representing 49 per cent of the world's population and 39 per cent of global gross domestic product agreed on a joint statement that took positions at odds with the Trump administration on matters of war and peace, trade and global governance. While expressing 'serious concerns' over tariffs, blasting soaring defence spending, and condemning airstrikes on Brics member Iran, the group declined to call out the US by name. Mr Trump responded with his threat to slap an additional 10 per cent levy on any country aligning themselves with 'the Anti-American policies of Brics'. Currencies from developing nations and stocks dropped early on July 7, with South Africa's rand leading losses among majors. BLOOMBERG.
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Ong Beng Seng's new pre-trial conference date set on July 23
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox According to the court system, Ong's July 8 hearing was adjourned for parties to file revised papers. SINGAPORE - Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng will have his case heard in court again on July 23 in a pre-trial conference. This comes after his pre-trial conference on July 8, in a case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran. According to the court system, Ong's July 8 hearing was adjourned for parties to file revised papers. Details were not provided. Ong, 79, had previously been scheduled to plead guilty on July 3. But this was adjourned one day before the hearing as the prosecution and defence needed more time to file further submissions on sentencing. Ong was first set to plead guilty on April 2, but this was postponed after his lawyers asked for an extension to obtain his medical reports. The billionaire was charged on Oct 4, 2024, with abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts and abetting the obstruction of justice. Under Section 165, it is an offence for a public servant to accept anything of value from anyone with whom he is involved in an official capacity without payment or with inadequate payment. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World 25% on Japan and Malaysia, 40% on Laos: Trump's tariff letters to Asia add pressure for deals by Aug 1 Business Asia markets edge up as Trump signals still open to tariff talks Singapore MRT services resume on 5-station stretch of North-South Line after track fault Multimedia 'I suspect he's cheating': She finds proof when spouses stray Asia Thai authorities vow crackdown on cannabis-infused products after toddler hospitalised World Netanyahu says he nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Opinion Singapore at 60: Home truly is an idea that never stands still Singapore Fastest charger to be added to Singapore's EV charging network by Q4 in 2025 According to court documents, the businessman had in December 2022 allegedly arranged for Mr Iswaran to fly on Ong's private plane from Singapore to Doha. The flight was valued at US$7,700 (S$10,400). Ong also allegedly arranged for Mr Iswaran a one-night stay at Four Seasons Hotel Doha, valued at $4,737.63, and a business-class flight from Doha to Singapore, valued at $5,700. Court documents showed Ong allegedly alerted Mr Iswaran that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau had seized the flight manifest for the December 2022 trip. It prompted Mr Iswaran to ask the tycoon to bill him for the flight to avoid investigations. For this alleged offence, Ong was charged with the abetment of obstruction of justice. The businessman is known as the man who brought Formula One (F1) to Singapore in 2008 – the first night race in the sport's history. Mr Iswaran was chairman of the F1 steering committee and the Government's chief negotiator with Singapore GP on business matters related to the race. The two men had worked in the mid-2000s to convince then Formula One Group chief executive Bernie Ecclestone to make Singapore the venue for that first race.
