Greek chief engineer accused of shortchanging his vessel of 200 tonnes of fuel

A ship's Greek chief engineer who colluded to shortchange his vessel of 200 tonnes of fuel, was convicted on April 10, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and the Maritime and Port Authority in a joint statement on Wednesday.

The chief engineer, Pittis Stavros, 57, had struck a deal with a bunker clerk and an independent marine surveyor to under declare the amount of fuel remaining in the vessel. This resulted in just 300 instead of 500 tonnes of oil being supplied to the ship, the MV Sakura Princess. The parties are also accused of colluding to sell back the remaining 200 tonnes to the fuel supplier.

On January 10 last year - the day arrangements were made for the illicit transaction to take place - the CPIB and MPA conducted raids on the vessel. The suspects were arrested and brought to the CPIB for investigation.

Stavros, who had earlier claimed trial, was found guilty by the Singapore Courts of criminal breach of trust as a servant. He is due to appear in court on Thursday afternoon for sentencing. He may be jailed for up to 15 years and fined.

The statement said that Singapore adopts a zero tolerance approach towards corruption and criminal activities.

More than 42 million tonnes of marine fuel was sold here last year, making Singapore the world's top bunkering port.

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