NLB deputy director charged under Official Secrets Act; allegedly leaked info on June 2020 Phase 2 reopening

SINGAPORE — A 51-year-old public servant who allegedly shared classified information about Phase Two of Singapore’s economic reopening amid the Covid-19 pandemic last year was charged under the Official Secrets Act on Wednesday (May 19).

Chua Wee Lin, 51, who was the Deputy Director of the Property and Facilities Management department of the National Library Board (NLB), faces one count of wrongful communication of information under the Act. 

His charge sheet alleged that he sent information on the resumption of activities under Phase Two of Singapore’s post-circuit breaker reopening to a WhatsApp group comprising 18 other members between 2.36pm and 4.04pm on June 11 last year. 

This took place before Singapore’s multi-ministry taskforce tackling the Covid-19 situation announced the move on June 15 last year. 

The police had said on Tuesday that they received a report on June 12 last year that the information was already circulating on WhatsApp among members of the public.

Investigations later found that Chua — who was authorised to receive classified information — had allegedly shared the details with members of a private chat group who were not authorised to receive them.

The information was then further disseminated by other members from this chat group, resulting in the wider circulation of the classified information before it was officially released.

The police said that six others who had wrongfully received and further communicated the information to others will be issued stern warnings for their actions.

The police said that they take a serious view of any breach of the Act.

The offence of wrongful communication of information carries a S$2,000 fine and up to two years’ jail.

Chua remains out on S$5,000 bail. He will return to court on June 16.