Charged for Alleged Corruption, Assaulting Public Officers and Flouting COVID-19 Regulations

On 7 October 2021, Chen Yuanyuan (“Chen”, 陈媛媛), a 28-year-old female Chinese National will be charged in court for allegedly attempting to bribe a police officer, assaulting two police officers and flouting COVID-19 regulations.

2. On 8 January 2021, the following offences were allegedly committed by Chen:

a) Conducting herself in a manner that caused annoyance to others in a public place, whilst drunk, punishable under Section 14(2) of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption Act) 2015; and

b) Voluntarily causing hurt to two police officers by allegedly kicking their legs on separate occasions to deter them from discharging their duties, punishable under Section 332 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224.

3. On 24 February 2021, Chen allegedly committed the offence of contravening a control order under Regulation 4(2) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 by leaving her ordinary place of residence without reasonable excuse, punishable under Section 34(7)(a) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020.

4 . Subsequently, on 25 February 2021, Chen also allegedly committed the following offences at an apartment unit located at Pemimpin Drive:

a) Corruptly offering gratification of S$100 to Senior Staff Sergeant Norhidahyah binte Ahmad, as an inducement to refrain from taking enforcement action against her. The bribe offer was rejected by Senior Staff Sergeant Norhidahyah, and the case was subsequently referred to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). For her action, Chen faces one charge punishable under Section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241; and

b) Contravening a control order under Regulation 6(1) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 by gathering in a group of more than eight individuals outside of her place of residence for a non-permitted purpose without a reasonable excuse, punishable under Section 34(7)(a) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020.

5. In addition, on 21 June 2021, Chen allegedly threatened to injure a man by holding a kitchen knife and walking towards him with the intent to cause alarm. This constituted an offence punishable under Section 506 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224.

6. Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and other criminal acts. It is a serious offence to offer bribes, or attempt to offer bribes to public officers. Any person who is convicted of a corruption offence can be fined up to S$100,000, sentenced to imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Any person convicted for voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty is liable for an imprisonment term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine, or caning. Any person convicted for causing annoyance whilst drunk is liable for a fine of up to S$1,000, imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both. Any person convicted for criminal intimidation is liable for an imprisonment term which may extend to two years, or fine, or both. For non-compliance with safe-distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders can be fined up to S$10,000, face a jail term of up to six months, or both.

7. CPIB looks into all corruption complaints and reports, including anonymous ones, and can be reached via the following channels:

a) Lodge an e-Complaint;
b) Email us at report@cpib.gov.sg;
c) Call the Duty Officer at 1800-376-0000; or
d) Write to us at the CPIB Headquarters @ 2 Lengkok Bahru, S159047.

7. Where possible, the report should include the following information:

a) Where, when and how the alleged corrupt act happened?
b) Who was involved and what were their roles?
c) What was the bribe given and the favour shown?

CORRUPT PRACTICES INVESTIGATION BUREAU