Charges Include Corruption and Misuse of Authority
A Singapore police officer has been charged with accepting bribes and obstructing justice, involving cash and loans amounting to S$32,500 across multiple instances between 2019 and 2020.
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) revealed that Poo Tze Chiang allegedly received bribes on seven occasions to assist Cordell Chan Yuen Kwang and Wang Huate in evading consequences during police investigations. Another individual, Ng Chuan Seng, has also been implicated for aiding in corrupt practices.
Poo, aged 45, faces seven corruption charges and three for obstruction of justice, while Ng, 51, is charged with abetment of corruption. In one instance from September 2019, Ng reportedly facilitated a bribe of S$2,000 in cash delivered to Poo in a red packet.
The CPIB also alleges that in August 2020, Poo warned Chan that Wang might be detained if he reported for bail. At a Bukit Batok void deck, Poo allegedly used his police warrant card to prevent officers from checking Chan and Wang. Later that year, Poo reportedly advised Chan to relocate to a nearby coffee shop upon spotting a colleague’s car in the area.
If convicted of corruption, Poo could face a maximum fine of S$100,000, up to five years in prison, or both. For obstruction of justice, penalties include up to seven years’ imprisonment, fines, or both.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) issued a statement on Wednesday underscoring its zero-tolerance stance against officers who violate the law. The offences were uncovered during routine internal checks, leading SPF to refer the case to CPIB. Poo has since been reassigned from operational duties.
