SINGAPORE - A former IT director of a logistics company was charged on Thursday (Sept 8) with receiving bribes and attempting to get bribes of more than $200,000 each from a businesswoman.
Leong Chee Shian, 46, was employed by Schenker (Asia Pacific) when he corruptly obtained bribes amounting to $238,243 from Chuah Hooi Fong, a director of Asia Management Link and AML Managed Services, as an inducement to advance the business interest of the two firms with Schenker .
The six alleged offences occurred between June 2, 2008 and Aug 25, 2011.
Leong is also accused of attempting to get bribes amounting to $246,046 from Chuah between Dec 16, 2011 and Oct 15, 2012.
Chuah, 54, a Malaysian woman, was also charged in court with six counts of giving bribes and three counts of trying to bribe Leong.
Leong also faces 17 counts of abetment by conspiring with one Leong Chee How to falsify invoices and/or payment vouchers belonging to 361 Degree Consultancy, 361 Degree Management and 361 Degree Communication for consultancy services, when in fact no services were provided or received by the companies.
Leong Chee How was described as a director of the three companies in court papers.
Leong Chee Shian is also accused of two counts of converting benefits from criminal conduct amounting to $164,440 into down payments for a car and a condominium unit in Geylang.
Both accused were represented by lawyers.
Their passports have been impounded. Their bails have been extended and their next court date is Sept 29.
In a statement on Thursday, 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.
If convicted of falsifying papers, Leong could be jailed for up to 10 years and/or fined.
The maximum penalty under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act is a $500,000 fine and 10 years' jail.
