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New Indian Express
7 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Parliament's laws out of contempt ambit : SC
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has rejected a 2012 contempt plea filed by sociologist and former Delhi University professor Nandini Sundar and others, who claimed that the enactment of the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011 to curb Maoist activity was in contempt of the court's landmark verdict against vigilante group Salwa Judum that year. 'Every State Legislature has plenary powers to pass an enactment and so long as the said enactment has not been declared to be ultra vires the Constitution or, in any way, null and void by a Constitutional Court, the said enactment would have the force of law,' a two-judge bench comprising justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma said. Sundar had alleged failure of the Chhattisgarh government to comply with the Supreme Court's directions in 2011 to stop support to vigilante groups like Salwa Judum and arming tribals in the name of special police officers (SPO) in the fight against Maoists. However, the bench observed that it was the duty of the state government and the Centre to take adequate steps for restoration of peace and rehabilitation of the residents who have been affected by violence from whatever quarter.
New Paper
27-05-2025
- New Paper
9 years' jail for ex-cop on the run for nearly 17 years after obtaining $47.7k in bribes
A former police officer was sentenced to nine years' jail on May 26 after obtaining monetary bribes totalling $47,700 from a man linked to unlawful gambling activities. Koh Kian Tiong, alias Mark Koh, who went on the run for almost 17 years till 2024, was also fined $1,000 and ordered to pay a penalty equivalent to the amount of bribes. If he fails to pay the total amount of $48,700, Koh, now 52, will have to spend an additional 47 days and a week behind bars. At the time of the offences, Koh was an assistant superintendent with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He had obtained the bribes from Chua Chin Hoe, who was then notorious for operating several illegal gambling dens across Singapore. In exchange, Koh provided Chua with information about CID operations that could affect the latter's criminal activities. On May 21, Koh pleaded guilty to five counts of graft involving cash totalling $31,000 and one count of desertion under the Police Force Act. Ten other graft charges linked to the remaining $16,700 were considered during his sentencing. Koh obtained monetary benefits and free entertainment from Chua between January 2006 and May 2007. Chua and several other people linked to the case were dealt with in court earlier. Koh joined the Singapore Police Force in 1998. When he became acquainted with Chua in 2005, he was an officer with CID's Anti-Unlicensed Money Lending Task Force, with a team of subordinates reporting to him. Towards the end of that year, Koh was in the midst of divorce proceedings and struggling to pay his legal bills. He approached a colleague, an officer from the Secret Societies Branch (SSB), and asked for a $15,000 loan. When the colleague replied that he could not afford to give the loan, Koh asked him to check if Chua - referred to in court documents as "Ah Hoe" - could provide the loan instead. In earlier proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor David Menon said: "The accused relayed this request to Ah Hoe through (the SSB officer, who) was better acquainted with Ah Hoe at the time. Ah Hoe agreed to give the accused $15,000 to cover the legal bills arising from the accused's divorce proceedings." On or around Jan 21, 2006, Koh went to Geylang to collect the money from Chua. The latter gave the bribe so that Koh would show favour to him in future police-related matters. No repayment terms were discussed, and Koh did not repay the $15,000. In September 2006, Koh reached out to Chua directly and asked for his help to settle some credit card bills. Chua handed him $16,000 later that year, and Koh did not repay the amount. Throughout 2006, Koh also frequented various bars with Chua, who always paid for the drinks and occasionally paid the tips for hostesses and singers. Eventually, Koh introduced Chua to at least five other police officers at CID, all of whom received free entertainment and alcohol from Chua. Based on Chua's bank statements, he paid at least $27,000 in entertainment expenses relating to these drinking sessions in 2006 alone. In 2007, Koh was on leave in China when he found out that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau had started an investigation into his dealings with Chua. Fearing he would be implicated, Koh decided to remain in China. An Interpol red notice was then issued against him. Once such a notice is issued, the police in other countries can be on the lookout for foreign offenders. The red notice can then be used to support extradition proceedings after an arrest is made. Koh was later jailed in China over unrelated offences, the details of which were not disclosed in court documents. Following his release from jail in China, he was sent back to Singapore and arrested at Changi Airport in April 2024.
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
Nine years' jail for Singapore ex-cop on the run for nearly 17 years after obtaining S$47.7k in bribes
SINGAPORE: A former police officer was sentenced to nine years' jail on May 26 after obtaining monetary bribes totalling S$47,700 from a man linked to unlawful gambling activities. Koh Kian Tiong, alias Mark Koh, who went on the run for almost 17 years till 2024, was also fined $1,000 and ordered to pay a penalty equivalent to the amount of bribes. If he fails to pay the total amount of $48,700, Koh, now 52, will have to spend an additional 47 days and a week behind bars. At the time of the offences, Koh was an assistant superintendent with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He had obtained the bribes from Chua Chin Hoe, who was then notorious for operating several illegal gambling dens across Singapore. In exchange, Koh provided Chua with information about CID operations that could affect the latter's criminal activities. On May 21, Koh, pleaded guilty to five counts of graft involving cash totalling $31,000 and one count of desertion under the Police Force Act. Ten other graft charges linked to the remaining $16,700 were considered during his sentencing. Koh obtained monetary benefits and free entertainment from Chua between January 2006 and May 2007. Chua and several other people linked to the case were dealt with in court earlier. Koh joined the Singapore Police Force in 1998. When he became acquainted with Chua in 2005, he was an officer with CID's Anti-Unlicensed Money Lending Task Force, with a team of subordinates reporting to him. Towards the end of that year, Koh was in the midst of divorce proceedings and was struggling to pay his legal bills. He approached a colleague, who was an officer from the Secret Societies Branch (SSB), and asked for a loan of $15,000. When the colleague replied that he could not afford to give the loan, Koh asked him to check if Chua – referred to in court documents as 'Ah Hoe' – could provide the loan instead. In earlier proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor David Menon said: 'The accused relayed this request to Ah Hoe through (the SSB officer who) was better acquainted with Ah Hoe at the time. Ah Hoe agreed to give the accused $15,000 to cover the legal bills arising from the accused's divorce proceedings.' On or around Jan 21, 2006, Koh went to Geylang to collect the money from Chua. The latter gave the bribe so that Koh would show favour to him in future police-related matters. No repayment terms were discussed, and Koh did not repay the $15,000. In September 2006, Koh reached out to Chua directly and asked for his help to settle some credit card bills. Chua handed him $16,000 later that year, and Koh did not repay the amount. Throughout 2006, Koh also frequented various bars with Chua, who always paid for the drinks and occasionally paid the tips for hostesses and singers. Eventually, Koh introduced Chua to at least five other police officers at CID, all of whom received free entertainment and alcohol from Chua. Based on Chua's bank statements, he paid at least $27,000 in entertainment expenses relating to these drinking sessions in 2006 alone. In 2007, Koh was on leave in China when he found out that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau had started an investigation into his dealings with Chua. Fearing that he would be implicated, Koh decided to remain in China. An Interpol red notice was then issued against him. Once such a notice is issued, the police in other countries can be on the lookout for foreign offenders. The red notice can then be used to support extradition proceedings after an arrest is made. Koh was later jailed in China over unrelated offences, the details of which were not disclosed in court documents. Following his release from jail in China, he was sent back to Singapore and arrested at Changi Airport in April 2024. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Straits Times
9 years' jail for ex-cop on the run for nearly 17 years after obtaining $47.7k in bribes
Koh Kian Tiong was also fined $1,000 and ordered to pay a penalty equivalent to the amount of bribes. PHOTO: INTERPOL 9 years' jail for ex-cop on the run for nearly 17 years after obtaining $47.7k in bribes SINGAPORE – A former police officer was sentenced to nine years' jail on May 26 after obtaining monetary bribes totalling $47,700 from a man linked to unlawful gambling activities. Koh Kian Tiong, alias Mark Koh, who went on the run for almost 17 years till 2024, was also fined $1,000 and ordered to pay a penalty equivalent to the amount of bribes. If he fails to pay the total amount of $48,700, Koh, now 52, will have to spend an additional 47 days and a week behind bars. At the time of the offences, Koh was an assistant superintendent with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He had obtained the bribes from Chua Chin Hoe , who was then notorious for operating several illegal gambling dens across Singapore. In exchange, Koh provided Chua with information about CID operations that could affect the latter's criminal activities. On May 21, Koh, pleaded guilty to five counts of graft involving cash totalling $31,000 and one count of desertion under the Police Force Act. Ten other graft charges linked to the remaining $16,700 were considered during his sentencing. Koh obtained monetary benefits and free entertainment from Chua between January 2006 and May 2007. Chua and several other people linked to the case were dealt with in court earlier. Koh joined the Singapore Police Force in 1998. When he became acquainted with Chua in 2005, he was an officer with CID's Anti-Unlicensed Money Lending Task Force, with a team of subordinates reporting to him. Towards the end of that year, Koh was in the midst of divorce proceedings and was struggling to pay his legal bills. He approached a colleague, who was an officer from the Secret Societies Branch (SSB), and asked for a loan of $15,000. When the colleague replied that he could not afford to give the loan, Koh asked him to check if Chua – referred to in court documents as 'Ah Hoe' – could provide the loan instead. In earlier proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor David Menon said: 'The accused relayed this request to Ah Hoe through (the SSB officer who) was better acquainted with Ah Hoe at the time. Ah Hoe agreed to give the accused $15,000 to cover the legal bills arising from the accused's divorce proceedings.' On or around Jan 21, 2006, Koh went to Geylang to collect the money from Chua. The latter gave the bribe so that Koh would show favour to him in future police-related matters. No repayment terms were discussed, and Koh did not repay the $15,000. In September 2006, Koh reached out to Chua directly and asked for his help to settle some credit card bills. Chua handed him $16,000 later that year, and Koh did not repay the amount. Throughout 2006, Koh also frequented various bars with Chua, who always paid for the drinks and occasionally paid the tips for hostesses and singers. Eventually, Koh introduced Chua to at least five other police officers at CID, all of whom received free entertainment and alcohol from Chua. Based on Chua's bank statements, he paid at least $27,000 in entertainment expenses relating to these drinking sessions in 2006 alone. In 2007, Koh was on leave in China when he found out that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau had started an investigation into his dealings with Chua. Fearing that he would be implicated, Koh decided to remain in China. An Interpol red notice was then issued against him. Once such a notice is issued, the police in other countries can be on the lookout for foreign offenders. The red notice can then be used to support extradition proceedings after an arrest is made. Koh was later jailed in China over unrelated offences, the details of which were not disclosed in court documents. Following his release from jail in China, he was sent back to Singapore and arrested at Changi Airport in April 2024. Shaffiq Alkhatib is The Straits Times' court correspondent, covering mainly criminal cases heard at the State Courts. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
26-05-2025
- Online Citizen
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.
