Ex-IT director charged with taking S$200k in bribes

SINGAPORE — Between 2008 and 2011, he allegedly received bribes totalling over S$230,000, monies that were used for downpayments for a car and a condominium unit.

Yesterday, Leong Chee Shian, a Singaporean, the ex-IT director of Schenker (Asia Pacific), was charged with six counts of corruptly obtaining bribes amounting to S$238,242.87 from Chuah Hooi Fong in exchange for business favours.

Leong, 46, was also charged with three counts of trying to obtain another S$246,046.43 in bribes from Chuah, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

Both sets of charges relate to furthering the interests of two companies, Asia Management Link and AML Managed Services, of which Chuah is the director.

Chuah, 54, a Malaysian, was charged with six counts of paying S$238,242.87 in bribes to Leong, and three counts of agreeing to pay S$246,046.43 in bribes to him.

Leong was also charged with two counts of converting benefits from criminal conduct amounting to S$164,439.77 into downpayments for a Nissan Teana 250XV and a La Regal condominium unit on Geylang Road.

He also faces 17 counts of 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 no services were provided or received by the companies.

According to court papers, Leong Chee How is the director of the three companies.

These invoices were made out to Asia Management Link and AML Managed Services, and bore descriptions such as “Consultancy on Accounting”, “Leong Chee Shian Consultancy Fee for Asia Management Link P/L” and “Being Professional Consultation Services rendered in 2011”, court papers show.

If a person is convicted of corruption, he can fined up to S$100,000 and jailed five years. For falsifying papers, a person could be jailed for up to 10 years or fined, or punished with both, upon conviction.

For converting benefits from criminal conduct, a person can be fined up to S$500,000 or jailed up to 10 years or punished with both, if convicted.