Police probe case involving driver and Woodlands Checkpoint immigration officer after footage found online

SINGAPORE: The police are investigating an incident at Woodlands Checkpoint after photos and videos of an immigration officer emerged online.

This came after a Facebook user posted in the Complaint Singapore group, expressing unhappiness over the officer's alleged behaviour during immigration clearance. The post named the officer and included photos and videos of him at the checkpoint counter.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Thursday (Aug 15) that it is aware of social media posts alleging that the officer was rude to the driver, who was clearing immigration on Monday.

"Our investigations show that the driver made uncalled for remarks when our officer had instructed him to remove the right passenger window sunshade during departure immigration clearance," said ICA in a Facebook post.

"The driver also took photographs and videos of our officer when the latter was contacting his supervisors to report the incident."

ICA added that it referred the driver to its duty office and gave him a "stern warning" after he admitted to taking photographs and videos within the checkpoint premises, which is an offence if done without consent from the authorities.

The driver also agreed to delete the photos and videos, said ICA.

"However, ICA subsequently found the photographs and videos uploaded online. The case has been referred to the police, who are investigating."

"ICA officers at the checkpoints carry out their duties to safeguard Singapore’s borders. Travellers are reminded to cooperate and comply with their instructions," the agency said. 

A police spokesperson said that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.