26-05-2025
Ex-CID officer Koh Kian Tiong admits to graft after 17 years on the run, sentencing on 26 May
A former police assistant superintendent with Singapore's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has pleaded guilty to multiple corruption charges after evading justice for nearly 17 years.
On 21 May 2025, Koh Kian Tiong, also known as Mark Koh, admitted to receiving bribes totalling S$31,000 from illegal gambling kingpin Chua Chin Hoe between 2006 and 2007.
Koh, who is now 52, also pleaded guilty to one count of desertion under the Police Force Act.
He will be sentenced on 26 May.
Ten other charges involving a further S$16,700 in bribes will be considered during sentencing.
Koh, formerly a high-ranking officer in CID's Anti-Unlicensed Money Lending Task Force, began accepting bribes after encountering financial difficulties during divorce proceedings in 2005.
He first sought a S$15,000 loan from a colleague, who then approached Chua, also known as 'Ah Hoe', on his behalf.
Chua agreed to the request, and in January 2006, met Koh in Geylang to hand over the money.
According to court records, no repayment terms were discussed, and Koh never repaid the loan.
The cash was intended to ensure favourable treatment from Koh in police-related matters.
In September 2006, Koh requested additional help from Chua to settle credit card bills, receiving another S$16,000. This amount was also not repaid.
Throughout 2006, Koh regularly joined Chua for drinks at bars, with Chua footing the bills, including tips for hostesses and singers.
Eventually, Koh introduced at least five other CID officers to Chua, all of whom were entertained at Chua's expense.
Bank statements showed Chua paid at least S$27,000 in entertainment expenses during that year alone.
When investigations into Chua began in 2007, Koh, who was then on leave in China, decided not to return to Singapore.
A red notice was subsequently issued by Interpol, enabling foreign police to locate and potentially extradite him.
Koh remained in China and was later jailed there on unrelated offences, reportedly related to financial dispute. He served time in Chongqing, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao.
Following his release, he was deported to Singapore and arrested at Changi Airport on 28 April 2024.
Chua, who operated several illegal gambling dens, was sentenced in 2012 to four-and-a-half years in prison and fined S$20,000 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Common Gaming House Act.
At least three other police officers linked to Koh's offences were charged and sentenced in 2010.
In court, Deputy Public Prosecutor David Menon urged the court to impose a sentence of between nine and 11 years' imprisonment.
He emphasised the damage Koh's actions had done to the integrity of the Singapore Police Force.
'SPF suffered some actual harm, as corruption was allowed to spread through its ranks and multiple officers were made beholden to Ah Hoe,' said Menon.
'This compromised SPF operations as several officers, including the accused, gave Ah Hoe tip-offs regarding impending CID raids.'
The prosecution stressed Koh's seniority in the force, highlighting that he held a commanding position with subordinates under him.
Defence lawyer Muhammad Taufiq Suraidi from the Public Defender's Office noted that Koh, now without any savings, is unable to repay any financial penalties the court may impose.
