A former IT director of a transport and logistics company, accused of obtaining bribes of more than $200,000, spent part of the money on a car and a condominium.

Leong Chee Shian, then employed by Schenker (Asia Pacific), faces 28 charges, including six counts of receiving bribes amounting to $238,243, and three of attempting to get bribes of $248,046 from Malaysian businesswoman Chuah Hooi Fong, 54.

Chuah was also charged yesterday with nine counts of corruption.

Leong, 46, is said to have converted $50,240 into a down payment for a Nissan Teana car on July 20, 2009; and $114,200 for a La Regal Condominium in Geylang Road sometime between November 2011 and January 2012.

A court heard yesterday that Leong allegedly received the bribes from Chuah, a director of Asia Management Link and AML Managed Services, between 2008 and 2011 in exchange for advancing the business interests of the two firms with Schenker.

Leong also faces 17 charges of abetment by engaging in a conspiracy with one Leong Chee How to falsify invoices and/or payment vouchers belonging to the latter's companies 361 Degree Consultancy, 361 Degree Management, and 361 Degree Communication for consultancy services which were never rendered.

Leong Chee Sian was represented by Mr M. Kalidass and Chuah by Mr T.M. Sinnadurai.

Bail for the duo has been extended until the next mention of their case on Sept 29. Their passports have been impounded .

In a statement yesterday, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau said Singapore adopts a zero tolerance approach towards corruption and any criminal activity. The bureau said it takes a serious view of any corrupt practices and will not hesitate to take action against any party involved in such acts.

The maximum penalty for corruption is a $100,000 fine and five years' jail.

Elena Chong