SINGAPORE - A former Singapore Customs officer was charged in court on Thursday with trying to obtain a bribe in the form of intimate acts for showing leniency to a woman who had contraband cigarettes.

Jonathan Sasayiah, 28, was an investigation officer when he allegedly tried to obtain the bribe from Ms Nursusilla Kassim in return for showing her leniency for an offence of possessing contraband cigarettes on July 15 this year.

Sasayiah is represented by a lawyer, who told the court that the former officer is claiming trial.

In a statement, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau said any law enforcement officer who tries to abuse his authority for personal and corrupt gains will face severe consequences.

The case is fixed for a pre-trial conference on Dec 4.

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