On 19 October 19, two individuals are charged for obtaining and giving gratifications in relation to the trading and supplying of bunker fuel. They are Muhammad Afzal bin Mohamed Ekbar, bunker trader of KPI Bridge Oil and Mohammad Shafiq bin Nezammuddin, director of Straits Bunkering.
Between June 2017 and August 2018, Afzal had allegedly obtained gratifications totaling at least S$257,342 (US$191,250) from Shafiq on multiple occasions as rewards for nominating Straits for the supply of bunker fuel to KPI’s customers. Afzal had also allegedly obtained a gratification in the form of a S$90,000 loan from Shafiq as an inducement for the same purpose.
For their actions, Afzal and Shafiq will each face three charges for offences punishable under Section 6(a) and Section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act respectively, of which two charges are amalgamated under Section 124(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
In addition, between July 2017 and September 2018, Afzal had allegedly given gratifications totaling at least S$217,735 (US$161,800) and S$5,000 combined to other individuals on multiple occasions as inducements or rewards for them to place orders with KPI for the supply of bunker fuel. For his actions, Afzal will face nine additional charges for offences punishable under Section 5(b)(i) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, of which four charges are amalgamated under Section 124(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption. Any person who is convicted of a corruption offence can be fined up to S$100,000 or sentenced to imprisonment of up to five years or to both.
