A Singaporean bunker clerk faces potential jail time and a large fine after being caught attempting to defraud a Dubai-based shipowner.
Lim Leong has been charged with offering gratification of an unspecified sum to a marine surveyor as an inducement for certifying that a certain quantity of bunker fuel was supplied to the PSV A70 (built 2018) when in fact a lesser quantity of bunker fuel was supplied.
Viking Marine Services’ marine surveyor Keshminder Singh, to whom the bribe was offered, is said to have rebuffed Leong’s offer.
Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said Leong’s actions constituted an offence punishable under section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241.
If convicted of corruption, Leong faces a potential fine of up to SGD 100,000 ($73,730) or being sentenced to up to five years in prison, or both.
“The bunkering industry in Singapore is among the largest in the world. It is important to protect the integrity of the industry and to ensure a level playing field for all,” the CPIB said.
“Singapore does not tolerate corruption. It is a serious offence to give or attempt to give bribes."
