Police officer charged with corruption after soliciting romantic relationship with woman
The State Courts in Singapore. (File photo: CNA/Calvin Oh)
SINGAPORE: A 25-year-old police officer was charged with corruption on Thursday (Sep 2), after he allegedly solicited a woman as an inducement for assisting in her case with the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
On Nov 2, 2019, Teo, who was a police sergeant at that time, allegedly misused a Singapore Police Force (SPF) computer system to access data of individuals who were arrested in a police operation, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in a press release.
About a month later on Dec 8, Teo allegedly sent a photograph related to that police operation to a woman.
He then allegedly solicited gratification from the woman in the form of a romantic relationship, as an inducement for assisting in her case with CNB.
The woman rejected his request.
Teo was charged with one count of unauthorised access to computer materials, one count of wrongful communication of information and one count of corruption.
If convicted of corruption, Teo could be jailed for up to five years, fined up to S$100,000, or both.
“CPIB will not hesitate to take firm action against offenders, including public officers who abuse their position of authority and tarnish the image of the Public Service,” said the bureau.
Teo has been interdicted since Jan 3, 2020, said the police.
"Upon disclosure of the offence by Sergeant Sean Teo, SPF rendered full assistance to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau in their investigations," the police said.
"Officers of the Singapore Police Force are expected to uphold the law and maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity. We deal with officers who break the law severely, including charging them in court."
The police added they are unable to comment further as the court case is ongoing.
If convicted of wrongful communication of information under the Official Secrets Act, he could be jailed up to two years and fined up to S$2,000.
If convicted of unauthorised access to computer materials under the Computer Misuse Act, Teo could be fined up to S$5,000, jailed up to 2 years, or both.
