Former Investigation Officer Charged for Alleged Corruption, Insult and Outrage of Modesty Offences

On 20 December 2023, Zaini Bin Ibrahim (“Zaini”) (54-year-old male, Singaporean), a former Investigation Officer of WSH Experts Pte Ltd (“WSH”) at the material time was charged in Court for alleged corruption, insult and outrage of modesty offences against three women who were subjects of WSH investigation. WSH carried out investigations in relation to e-cigarette offences on behalf of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) since November 2021.

Corruption offence

2. On 6 July 2022, Zaini corruptly attempted to obtain sexual gratification from one of the women in exchange for leniency in his investigation against her. For his alleged action, Zaini faces one charge for an offence punishable under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Insult of modesty offences

3. Between 29 June and 14 July 2022, Zaini allegedly insulted the modesty of two of the women on separate occasions through transmitted Whatsapp messages or verbally at WSH’s office. For his alleged actions, Zaini faces six charges for offences punishable under Section 377BA of the Penal Code.

Outrage of modesty offences

4. Between 29 March and 6 July 2022, Zaini allegedly used criminal force with the intent of outraging the modesty of two of the women on separate occasions at WSH’s office while recording statements from them. For his alleged actions, Zaini faces six charges for offences punishable under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code.

5. Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption. Any person who is convicted of a corruption offence under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act can be liable to a fine not exceeding S$100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both. Any person who is convicted of intending to insult the modesty of any person under Section 377BA of the Penal Code can be sentenced to imprisonment for a term which may extend to a year, or with fine, or with both. Any person who is convicted of using criminal force with the intent of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code can be sentenced to imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with caning, or with any combination of such punishments.

6. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) looks into all corruption-related complaints and reports, including anonymous ones, and can be reached via the following channels:

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

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

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