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Straits Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Corrupt company director relieved to be arrested as he wouldn't need to pay any more bribes: CPIB investigator
Corrupt company director relieved to be arrested as he wouldn't need to pay any more bribes: CPIB investigator Samuel Devaraj The Straits Times June 28, 2025 In 2012, an anonymous letter landed in the mailbox outside the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) headquarters in Lengkok Bahru. The writer claimed there was an established practice of corruption in a company in the waterproofing and general works industry. Another letter arrived several months later with more information. CPIB officers investigated the claims and unravelled a web involving 89 people, including managing agents, contractors and property agents, who took money from the company documented in financial records as "referral fees". This is one of the highest number of bribe recipients in a corruption case in Singapore, said CPIB. At the centre was the company's director, who adopted this practice so that the recipients would be motivated to recommend his company for future work orders. Between January 2011 and February 2014, he offered bribes of about $461,600 to the 89 people. The individual amounts ranged between $100 and $19,000. In 2016, the then 43-year-old Singaporean director was sentenced to 30 months' jail after pleading guilty to 20 counts of corruption, with 517 other charges taken into consideration. CPIB's deputy director at the enterprise projects office, Mr Phua Meng Geh, was then heading the investigation unit assigned to the case. Speaking to The Straits Times on June 25 at the CPIB headquarters, he said this case highlighted Singapore's intolerance against corruption, no matter the value of the bribe. Mr Phua, who has been with the CPIB for 27 years, added: "I think there is this thinking with many people that a lot of these (business) practices are a way of life. "We are not saying you cannot give tokens of appreciation. What we are saying is if there is a corrupt favour attached to it, then that is where we need to take a very strong stance against it." PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES Of the 89, 21 were charged, while the rest were given stern warnings. Eight of the 21 were given jail sentences of between four and 20 weeks. All 21 were fined between $9,000 and $40,000, and were ordered to pay penalties amounting to the gratification they received. Apart from the company director, six of the company's staff received jail terms of between four weeks and 13 months. Six others were handed fines of between $4,000 and $16,000. During court proceedings, it was revealed that some employees were paid fixed salaries, while others received commissions. For those on fixed salaries, the director would pass the "referral fees" to them, and they would hand these to the clients. For those on commission, they had to contribute towards the clients' fees to motivate these sales staff to secure the highest possible contract value. Mr Phua said that after they were called up for investigations, some said the giving of the "referral fees" was a business practice. He added that while the full implications of their actions might not have dawned on them at the time, ignorance is no excuse under the law, especially for an act like corruption. He noted that the company director had said when the firm was small that the sums of money were given as a token of appreciation. Mr Phua said: "When he first started out, his business wasn't that fantastic. He realised that by giving small tokens of appreciation, it helped his business a lot." As his business grew to become one of the more established players in the waterproofing industry here, those receiving bribes demanded more money. When the director was arrested, Mr Phua said the man was relieved he would not need to continue paying the bribes. Following the case, Mr Phua said CPIB stepped up its anti-corruption educational efforts within the building and maintenance industry, and engaged the Association of Property and Facility Managers, and the Association of Strata Managers. Mr Phua reminded managing agents to have transparent dealings with contractors. For the business community, he said that if they start offering such payments, then they will end up paying more and more until their business does not become viable. Highlighting the consequences of such practices, he added that the victims are home owners who may have to pay more after the inflated fees are paid by the Management Corporation Strata Title. Mr Phua said: "If left unchecked, the managing agent who receives money would eventually become beholden to the contractors and could be forced to return the favour by bending rules or closing an eye here or there. "Some of this may amount to safety breaches." He cited the example of managing agents who need to ensure safety measures are in place for workers and residents when carrying out works involving the use of scaffolding. "When they start deviating on some of these things in return for 'referral fees', the consequences can be severe," said Mr Phua. The number of workplace deaths in Singapore rose from 36 in 2023 to 43 in 2024. One of the top causes was the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment, said the Ministry of Manpower. Highlighting Singapore's zero-tolerance stance against corruption, Mr Vincent Lim, deputy director at CPIB, said it will take action against anyone for offering or receiving bribes. He added: "Those who resort to corrupt means to get ahead in businesses will face the consequences under the law." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
New Paper
a day ago
- Business
- New Paper
How letter to CPIB exposed bribery case with 89 people linked to waterproofing firm
In 2012, an anonymous letter landed in the mailbox outside the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) headquarters in Lengkok Bahru. The writer claimed there was an established practice of corruption in a company in the waterproofing and general works industry. Another letter arrived several months later with more information. CPIB officers investigated the claims and unravelled a web involving 89 people, including managing agents, contractors and property agents, who took money from the company documented in financial records as "referral fees". This is one of the highest number of bribe recipients in a corruption case in Singapore, said CPIB. At the centre was the company's director, who adopted this practice so that the recipients would be motivated to recommend his company for future work orders. Between January 2011 and February 2014, he offered bribes of about $461,600 to the 89 people. The individual amounts ranged between $100 and $19,000. In 2016, the then 43-year-old Singaporean director was sentenced to 30 months' jail after pleading guilty to 20 counts of corruption, with 517 other charges taken into consideration. CPIB's deputy director at the enterprise projects office, Mr Phua Meng Geh, was then heading the investigation unit assigned to the case. Speaking to The Straits Times on June 25 at the CPIB headquarters, he said this case highlighted Singapore's intolerance against corruption, no matter the value of the bribe. Mr Phua, who has been with the CPIB for 27 years, added: "I think there is this thinking with many people that a lot of these (business) practices are a way of life. "We are not saying you cannot give tokens of appreciation. What we are saying is if there is a corrupt favour attached to it, then that is where we need to take a very strong stance against it." Of the 89, 21 were charged, while the rest were given stern warnings. Eight of the 21 were given jail sentences of between four and 20 weeks. All 21 were fined between $9,000 and $40,000, and were ordered to pay penalties amounting to the gratification they received. Apart from the company director, six of the company's staff received jail terms of between four weeks and 13 months. Six others were handed fines of between $4,000 and $16,000. During court proceedings, it was revealed that some employees were paid fixed salaries, while others received commissions. For those on fixed salaries, the director would pass the "referral fees" to them, and they would hand these to the clients. For those on commission, they had to contribute towards the clients' fees to motivate these sales staff to secure the highest possible contract value. Mr Phua said that after they were called up for investigations, some said the giving of the "referral fees" was a business practice. He added that while the full implications of their actions might not have dawned on them at the time, ignorance is no excuse under the law, especially for an act like corruption. He noted that the company director had said when the firm was small that the sums of money were given as a token of appreciation. Mr Phua said: "When he first started out, his business wasn't that fantastic. He realised that by giving small tokens of appreciation, it helped his business a lot." As his business grew to become one of the more established players in the waterproofing industry here, those receiving bribes demanded more money. When the director was arrested, Mr Phua said the man was relieved he would not need to continue paying the bribes. Following the case, Mr Phua said CPIB stepped up its anti-corruption educational efforts within the building and maintenance industry, and engaged the Association of Property and Facility Managers, and the Association of Strata Managers. Mr Phua reminded managing agents to have transparent dealings with contractors. For the business community, he said that if they start offering such payments, then they will end up paying more and more until their business does not become viable. Highlighting the consequences of such practices, he added that the victims are home owners who may have to pay more after the inflated fees are paid by the Management Corporation Strata Title. Mr Phua said: "If left unchecked, the managing agent who receives money would eventually become beholden to the contractors and could be forced to return the favour by bending rules or closing an eye here or there. "Some of this may amount to safety breaches." He cited the example of managing agents who need to ensure safety measures are in place for workers and residents when carrying out works involving the use of scaffolding. "When they start deviating on some of these things in return for 'referral fees', the consequences can be severe," said Mr Phua. The number of workplace deaths in Singapore rose from 36 in 2023 to 43 in 2024. One of the top causes was the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment, said the Ministry of Manpower. Highlighting Singapore's zero-tolerance stance against corruption, Mr Vincent Lim, deputy director at CPIB, said it will take action against anyone for offering or receiving bribes. He added: "Those who resort to corrupt means to get ahead in businesses will face the consequences under the law."
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
How letter in CPIB mailbox exposed case with 89 bribe recipients linked to waterproofing firm
Mr Phua Meng Geh, deputy director at the enterprise projects office at CPIB, said this case highlighted Singapore's intolerance against corruption. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG How letter in CPIB mailbox exposed case with 89 bribe recipients linked to waterproofing firm An anonymous tip-off in 2012 revealed a systemic practice of corruption embedded within a Singapore firm and the large number of people involved. Samuel Devaraj finds out how the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau cracked a case involving a company in the building and maintenance industry. SINGAPORE – In 2012, an anonymous letter landed in the mailbox outside the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) headquarters in Lengkok Bahru. The writer claimed there was an established practice of corruption in a company in the waterproofing and general works industry. Another letter arrived several months later with more information. CPIB officers investigated the claims and unravelled a web involving 89 people, including managing agents, contractors and property agents, who took money from the company documented in financial records as 'referral fees'. This is one of the highest numbers of bribe recipients in a corruption case in Singapore, said CPIB. At the centre was the company's director who adopted this practice so the recipients would be motivated to recommend his company for future work orders. Between January 2011 and February 2014, he offered bribes of about $461,600 to the 89 people. The individual amounts ranged between $100 and $19,000. In 2016, the then 43-year-old Singaporean director was sentenced to 30 months' jail after pleading guilty to 20 counts of corruption, with 517 other charges taken into consideration. CPIB's deputy director at the enterprise projects office, Mr Phua Meng Geh, was then heading the investigation unit assigned to the case. Speaking to The Straits Times on June 25 at CPIB headquarters, he said this case highlighted Singapore's intolerance against corruption, no matter the value of the bribe. Mr Phua, who has been with CPIB for 27 years, added: 'I think there is this thinking with many people that a lot of these (business) practices are a way of life. 'We are not saying you cannot give tokens of appreciation. What we are saying is if there is a corrupt favour attached to it, then that is where we need to take a very strong stance against it.' Of the 89, 21 were charged while the rest were given stern warnings. Eight of the 21 were given jail sentences of between four and 20 weeks. All 21 were fined between $9,000 and $40,000 and were ordered to pay penalties amounting to the gratification they received. Apart from the company director, six of the company's staff received jail terms of between four weeks and 13 months. Six others were handed fines of between $4,000 and $16,000. During court proceedings, it was revealed some employees were paid fixed salaries while others received commissions. For those on fixed salaries, the director would pass the 'referral fees' to them, and they would hand these to the clients. For those on commission, they had to contribute towards the clients' fees, to motivate these sales staff to secure the highest possible contract value. Mr Phua said after they were called up for investigations, some said the giving of the 'referral fees' was a business practice. He added while the full implications of their actions might not have dawned on them at the time, ignorance is no excuse under the law, especially for an act like corruption. He noted that the company director had said when the firm was small that the sums of money were given as a token of appreciation. Mr Phua said: 'When he first started out, his business wasn't that fantastic. He realised that by giving small tokens of appreciation, it helped his business a lot.' As his business grew to become one of the more established players in the waterproofing industry here, those receiving bribes demanded more money. When the director was arrested, Mr Phua said the man was relieved he would not need to continue paying the bribes. Following the case, Mr Phua said CPIB stepped up its anti-corruption educational efforts within the building and maintenance industry, and engaged the Association of Property and Facility Managers and Association of Strata Managers. Mr Phua reminded managing agents to have transparent dealings with contractors. For the business community, he said if they start offering such payments, then they will end up paying more and more until their business does not become viable. Highlighting the consequences of such practices, he added that the victims are home owners who may have to pay more after the inflated fees are paid by the Management Corporation Strata Titles. Added Mr Phua: 'If left unchecked, the managing agent who receives money would eventually become beholden to the contractors and could be forced to return the favour by bending rules or closing an eye here or there. 'Some of this may amount to safety breaches.' He cited the example of managing agents who need to ensure safety measures are in place for workers and residents when carrying out works involving the use of scaffolding. 'When they start deviating on some of these things in return for 'referral fees', the consequences can be severe,' said Mr Phua. The number of workplace deaths in Singapore rose from 36 in 2023 to 43 in 2024. One of the top causes was the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment, said the Ministry of Manpower. Highlighting Singapore's zero-tolerance stance against corruption, Mr Vincent Lim, deputy director at CPIB, said it will take action against anyone for offering or receiving bribes. He added: 'Those who resort to corrupt means to get ahead in businesses will face the consequences under the law.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Family of four charged with bribing condo and property managers to further family business
The family of four includes Ong Chin Kee, 66, and his wife, Lea Lam Moy, 66, who are directors of OCL Building Services. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG Family of four charged with bribing condo and property managers to further family business SINGAPORE - A couple and their two sons who allegedly gave bribes to condominium and property managers to further the interests of their family construction business were charged on June 26. The family of four includes Ong Chin Kee, 66, and his wife, Lea Lam Moy, 66, who are directors of OCL Building Services. Their sons, the firm's project director Jovi Ong Teng Hong, 36, and general manager Jordan Ong Wei How, 30, were also charged . Each of the four was handed 17 charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. In a statement, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said the offences committed by the Singaporeans allegedly occurred between 2018 and 2022 and involved $56,260 in bribes. According to company records, OCL are primarily general contractors for building construction and major upgrading works, while its secondary business activity is listed as painting and decorating. Ong Chin Kee was also handed four charges for allegedly obstructing the course of justice, CPIB added. Between June and November 2023, he had on four occasions allegedly instigated two individuals to change their statements given to the CPIB pertaining to the ongoing investigation against him and OCL. He had also allegedly informed two others of an investigation by the CPIB against them and the company. In court on June 26, the lawyer representing each of the four told the court they were contesting the charges. Their cases were adjourned to July 24 for a pre-trial conference. Five alleged bribe recipients were also charged on June 26. They included Lim Pei Xiong, 31, who was a condominium manager at Thomson View Condominium and The Cotz in Telok Kurau. The Malaysian was handed two corruption charges for allegedly receiving $23,500 in bribes for furthering the business interests of OCL with the two condominiums. Singaporean Theva Sundram, 71, was handed four corruption charges. He had allegedly accepted bribes amounting to $20,260 over seven occasions between 2019 and 2022, for furthering the business interests of OCL with The Ladyhill in Tanglin where he was a condominium manager. Singaporean Roberta Mok Yen Kwei, 40, was handed a corruption charge for allegedly accepting $5,000 in bribes over four occasions in 2022 for furthering the business interests of OCL with Novotel, Flora Vista in Ang Mo Kio and Change Alley Mall at Raffles Place where she was a manager. Azman Abdul Rahim, 61, a property officer at Craig Place in Outram was handed two corruption charges. Over three occasions in 2020, the Singaporean had allegedly accepted $3,400 in bribes for furthering the business interests of OCL with the condominium. Lim Tian Teck, 57, who was a condominium manager at Citylights Condominium in Kallang and Trevista in Toa Payoh, was handed four corruption charges. The Singaporean had over four occasions between 2018 and 2019 allegedly accepted $2,600 in bribes for furthering the business interests of OCL with the two condominiums. In court on June 26, Theva, Lim Pei Xiong, Lim Tian Teck and Mok indicated their intention to plead guilty, while Azman said he was undecided, and intended to engage a lawyer. Two other individuals in connection to this case were also charged with alleged corruption and obstruction of justice offences. Ong Chin Sin, 64, the sole proprietor of NY Furnishing & Renovation, had allegedly given $4,000 in bribes over three occasions between 2015 and 2022 to Zulkifli Hussain, 60, a senior facilities manager employed by Lasalle College of the Arts to further the business interests of his company with the school. He is not related to Ong Chin Kee. In 2023, Ong Chin Sin allegedly obstructed the course of justice by deleting incriminatory messages exchanged between him and Ong Chin Kee that were connected to an ongoing investigation against the former. Ong Chin Sin and Zulkifli , both Singaporeans, were each handed three corruption charges, while the former was handed a further obstruction of justice charge. Zulkifli told the court he intended to plead guilty, and had appointed a lawyer who was unable to attend the hearing. Meanwhile, Ong Chin Sin's lawyer told the court he had just been appointed and needed time to take instructions from his client. CPIB said it looks into all corruption-related complaints and reports, including anonymous ones. The public can make an e-complaint on CPIB's website, send an e-mail to report@ call 1800-376-0000 or write in to the CPIB Headquarters at 2 Lengkok Bahru, S159047. Those found guilty of corruption, can each be fined up to $100,000 or jailed for up to five years, or both. Those convicted of obstruction of justice can be fined, jailed for up to seven years, or both. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
5 days ago
- CNA
Indonesian fugitive Paulus Tannos expected to testify in hearing over extradition, case adjourned to August
SINGAPORE: The first tranche of Indonesian fugitive Paulus Tannos' hearing over his extradition concluded on Wednesday (Jun 25) with his fate still in the balance. The former businessman is currently held on remand while the state and his lawyers battle over whether Tannos is liable to be surrendered to Indonesia. As Tannos' case is the first under the new extradition treaty between Singapore and Indonesia, the court has been deciding its next steps for the hearing every step of the way, but more light was shed on Wednesday about Tannos' case against his extradition. The 70-year-old – also known as Tjhin Thian Po – is wanted in Indonesia over his involvement in a high-profile graft case related to the country's electronic ID project, referred to as the e-KTP project. He is said to have bribed officials in relation to the project, with the resulting scandal causing the country about 2.3 trillion rupiah (US$140 million) in losses. A Singapore permanent resident, Tannos has lived in Singapore since 2017 and was arrested on Jan 17 this year by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) over the alleged graft in Indonesia, which is said to have occurred between 2010 and 2013. Tannos has repeatedly declined to be surrendered to Indonesia, resulting in the current hearing. On Wednesday morning, Tannos' lawyer Bachoo Mohan Singh of BMS Law wrapped up his cross-examination of the state's only witness, CPIB chief special investigator Alvin Tang. Mr Singh focused his questions on the events before Tannos' arrest, including asking whether Mr Tang was aware that Tannos had been interviewed by Indonesian police in 2012. Mr Tang replied that he was not aware. "I'm told he was interviewed by the police arising out of the report by the vendor of certain goods in a commercial dispute he had in 2012 in Indonesia," said Mr Singh. Mr Tang repeated that he was unaware. Mr Singh also asked if Mr Tang knew why Tannos' family left Indonesia, and the CPIB officer said he had read this detail in an affidavit. The lawyer then claimed that some people had invaded Tannos' house in Indonesia, and asked Mr Tang if he had bothered to find out if this was true. Mr Tang replied that he had not. The state did not re-examine Mr Tang, who was released from the witness stand before lunch. Parties then turned to the issue of who Tannos would be calling as witnesses and in what sequence. Mr Singh told the court that there would be four witnesses on his side, including Tannos himself. The other three are: 1. An expert from Australia who can testify to the state of Indonesia's judiciary and political scene 2. An Indonesian law expert with expertise in criminal law 3. An Indonesian lawyer who will be a factual witness Mr Singh said the Indonesian lawyer will be called to "give evidence on certain alarming events that took place in the course of all these happenings". When asked by Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan to clarify what he meant by the phrase "all these happenings", Mr Singh said he referred to events that began with the start of the e-KTP project in 2010. He added that the Indonesian law expert would be able to tell the court why Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (also known as KPK) requested to interview Tannos and record a statement from him as a suspect. "He will tell us the impact of the absence of such an interview and statement," Mr Singh said. The state then raised its concerns on the order of witnesses to be called, pointing out the potential risk of Tannos "tailoring" his evidence should he be called after the other witnesses. EXCEPTIONS Another lawyer for Tannos, Mr Suang Wijaya from law firm Eugene Thuraisingam, pointed to specific exceptions set out in the extradition treaty that Tannos will be relying on to contest his extradition. These include how extradition may be refused where it would be "unjust, oppressive or too severe a punishment to extradite the fugitive". Mr Suang Wijaya also referred the court to two sub-sections that could apply in his client's case. These include how extradition may be refused if it were for the purpose of "prosecuting or punishing the person sought on account of that person's race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, or political opinions". Another sub-section states that extradition can be refused if the fugitive may be "prejudiced at his trial or punished, detained or restricted in his personal liberty by reason of his race, religion, nationality or political opinions". Tannos' hearing will resume on Aug 7, with parties expected to argue about the relevancy of the witnesses and in what order they should testify. The court directed both the state and Tannos' lawyers to put in written submissions to assist the court before the resumption.
