SINGAPORE — A senior Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) officer who has been accused of misappropriating S$1.76 million of public funds will plead guilty to the charges next month.

In July, Edwin Yeo Seow Hiong, 39, was charged with 21 offences, including misappropriation and forgery. He will plead guilty in the Subordinate Courts on Jan 21.

Yeo was Assistant Director of CPIB’s Field Research and Technical Support Branch before he was interdicted last year, after the bureau discovered signs that he allegedly pilfered money meant for the purchase of goods and services required by his department between 2008 and September last year. He is also said to have gambled S$241,000 away at the Marina Bay Sands casino.

Yeo faces a count of forgery and 12 counts under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.

For misappropriation as a public servant, he faces life imprisonment and a fine on each count. For forgery, he could be jailed up to four years and fined. If found guilty of using benefits from criminal conduct, Yeo could face a maximum of seven years’ jail and a S$500,000 fine on each count.