A former Singapore police officer, Koh Kian Tiong, also known as Mark Koh, was sentenced too nine years in prison Monday after being apprehended in China following nearly 17 years on the run. the 52-year-old former Assistant Superintendent with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) was also fined S$1,000 adn ordered to pay a penalty of S$47,700 by District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan.

The Bribe and the Flight

Koh’s troubles began when he accepted bribes from an operator of illegal gambling dens between 2006 and 2007. Before authorities could apprehend him, Koh fled to China. His eventual repatriation to Singapore occurred only after he committed offenses in China.

The Singaporean had earlier pleaded guilty to five out of 15 charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and one charge of desertion. He admitted to the remaining charges, which were taken into consideration for his sentencing.

Details of the Graft

Koh joined the SPF in 1998. At the time of the offenses, he was an Officer Commanding with the Anti-Unlicensed Money Lending Task Force of the Criminal Inquiry Department (CID). In 2005, he was introduced to Mr.Chua Chin Hoe, also known as “Ah Hoe,” who operated several illegal gambling dens across Singapore.

Facing financial difficulties due to divorce proceedings and credit card bills, Koh sought assistance from Mr.Chua through a colleague. mr. Chua agreed to provide Koh with money, hoping to cultivate a relationship with the senior police officer.

From 2006, Mr. Chua provided Koh with money on multiple occasions. According to the prosecution, Koh allowed himself to be cultivated as he needed the money to pay for expenses which were beyond his means.

That year, Mr. Chua and Koh frequented bars and KTV lounges, with Mr. Chua covering all expenses, including drinks and tips for hostesses and singers. Mr. Chua also paid S$1,200 for Koh’s airfare and hotel expenses for a trip to Shanghai.

Eventually, Koh invited other CID officers to join these sessions, with Mr. Chua continuing to pay for the drinks. He introduced Mr. Chua to at least five other CID officers, who received free entertainment and alcohol. In total, Koh received S$47,700 in gratification.

In return, Mr.Chua received information from Koh about gambling dens that may be subject to police action, among other assistance.

The Escape and Capture

Koh traveled to Shanghai on July 9, 2007, while on leave. While there, he learned about the investigations against him and decided not to return, effectively deserting his job as a police officer.

According to a joint Corrupt Practices investigation Bureau (CPIB) and SPF media release, Koh did not return to Singapore following the expiry of his vacation leave, despite repeated requests from CPIB to do so.

“CPIB subsequently made an submission for an Interpol red notice against Koh in March 2008 and continued in its efforts to locate Koh overseas.”

Joint Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and SPF media release

In August 2019, with the assistance of SPF, CPIB learned that Koh had been arrested in China. He was subsequently investigated and convicted for criminal offences committed in (China), CPIB and SPF said.

Koh was repatriated to Singapore on April 28, 2024, after serving a sentence in China, and CPIB resumed its investigations.The specific offenses Koh committed in china were not disclosed.

The Accomplice

Mr. Chua was previously sentenced in 2012 to four-and-a-half years’ jail and fined S$20,000 for offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Common Gaming House Act, CPIB and SPF said.

For corruption, an offender can be fined up to S$100,000 or jailed for up to five years, or both. An offender convicted of desertion under the Police Force Act can be fined up to S$5,000 and jailed for up to 10 years.