Top cop in CPIB probe was questioned in 2010

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One of the two top Home Team officers caught in a graft probe had been called up before in 2010.

Mr Ng Boon Gay was then Director of the Criminal Investigation Department.

As the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) had explained, it doesn't matter who you are.

When there's an allegation of graft, action is swift.

And so it was in 2010 when the CPIB called in a number of senior police officers.

In a reply to The New Paper on Sunday, a spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said yesterday that Mr Ng was questioned by CPIB after a complaint was made to the bureau in 2010.

He was questioned in relation to allegations of improper conduct, "in particular share dealings based on insider information".

The spokesman said: "CPIB's investigations concluded there was insufficient evidence that Ng had committed offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

"Subsequent Police investigation also found no evidence of insider trading or that he had benefited from any inside information."

But Mr Ng had put himself in an uncomfortable situation.

The spokesman added: "The Singapore Police Force assessed that even though Ng did not break any laws, he should have been more circumspect in his dealings with acquaintances so as to avoid any perception of partiality.

"He was counselled and issued a Letter of Warning on 20 December 2010 by the Commissioner of Police, which he accepted. The Force also assessed that he could continue with his duties."

TNP had reported the investigation in May 2010. This paper reported then that several officers were called in.

The spokesman said of the investigation: "Three other senior police officers were investigated in the same CPIB probe. Similarly, no criminal wrongdoing was found.

"Two of the officers were likewise counselled and issued with a Letter of Warning by the Commissioner of Police on 20 December 2010. One other officer had earlier resigned."

Mr Ng later moved to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), but was recently suspended as director after his arrest on Dec 19. He is now facing a different CPIB probe.

In a separate investigation, CPIB is also probing Mr Peter Lim, the former commissioner of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

Mr Lim was arrested on Jan 4.

MHA said there were no previous instances of Mr Lim being the subject of any disciplinary action in his SCDF career.

Both men are now out on bail.

Besides criminal laws, police officers are governed by the Police Force Act.

It details, among other things, how police officers must report business interests.

Last Thursday, a former police staff sergeant was prosecuted with two counts of disciplinary offences under the Act and jailed 10 weeks.

At the time of the offence, he was with CID's Intelligence Division.

He got into a pub business without getting official permission.

Under the Act, he was required to seek permission from the Commissioner of Police to become a shareholder in the pub, but he failed to do so.

He had also committed another offence by accepting a stake at a discount from people who may need his help in the future.

That would have put him in a compromising situation.

Mr Ng also found himself in a similar position in 2010 because of his acquaintance.

He was warned in December 2010.

In January 2011, he moved to CNB.

The warning he had received was taken into consideration, MHA said.

The spokesman said: "Selection of officers for key appointments within MHA is based on a number of factors, principally his overall work performance, leadership and professional track record.

"Ng had performed well throughout his career in senior positions within the Singapore Police Force prior to his posting to CNB.

"The Letter of Warning on 20 December 2010 was taken into consideration when appointing Ng as Director, CNB (Designate) on 1 January 2011.

"It was assessed that while this was a spot on his record, no criminal wrongdoing had been found, and his conduct did not render him unsuitable for the post."

Retired cop Davy Chan, 64, said offers of money, sex or favours, may be dangled on unsuspecting police officers.

But the Police Gallantry Medal winner said duty dictates that he must be "straight" as an arrow.

He added: "I know that if I'm clean, I will never be investigated. When I had to mingle with people of ill-repute during the course of my work, I always registered them as sources so that there would be no mistaking my relationship with them."

He said he was also aware that a suspicion of graft will result in a CPIB probe.

Mr Chan added: "All it takes are rumours that you've been called up for an interview by CPIB and your colleagues will start to gossip.

"Normally you would sympathise with a friend being investigated, but in public nobody wants to be seen too close for fear of being in cahoots with him."