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Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau
Press Releases

Charged with Attempting to Bribe a Police Officer to Avoid COVID-19 Enforcement Action

8 May 2020

Bribing an officer to avoid a COVID-19 mask offence is a serious crime.

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As part of enhanced measures introduced by the Multi-Ministry Taskforce to break the COVID-19 transmission chain, everyone must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when outside of their homes unless exempted under the law1. Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, anyone caught not wearing a mask as mandated when they leave their residence faces a fine of S$300 for the first offence and S$1,000 for repeat offenders. Those caught trying to bribe their way out of COVID-19 related offences will land themselves in more serious trouble with the law.

2. On 8 May 2020, Chen Long (“陈龙”), a 27-year-old Chinese national on work permit in Singapore, was charged with one count of corruptly offering S$50 to one Chan Hui Shi, a Public Transport Security Command Officer of the Singapore Police Force (SPF), as an inducement to refrain from taking enforcement action against him for breaching Regulation 3A(1)(a) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. This constituted an offence punishable under Section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241. The offence was committed on 7 May 2020. The SPF officer refused his offer.

3. Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption. It is a serious offence to offer bribes to avoid enforcement action. CPIB will take firm and swift action against offenders, and will work with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to press for deterrent sentences against them. Any person who is convicted of a corruption offence can be fined up to $100,000 or imprisoned for up to 5 years or both.

4. The CPIB looks into all corruption complaints and reports, including anonymous ones, and can be reached via the following channels:

a) Write to us at the CPIB Headquarters @ 2 Lengkok Bahru, S159047;
b) Call the Duty Officer at 1800-376-0000;
c) Lodge an e-Complaint; or
d) Email us at report@cpib.gov.sg

5. Where possible, the report should include the following information:

a) Where, when and how the alleged corrupt act happened?
b) Who was involved and what were their roles?
c) What was the bribe given and the favour shown?

Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau

[1] See COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 3A(2).

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