27-8-2024 (SINGAPORE) A former Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer has been jailed for 14 months after being found guilty of stealing from travellers at Singapore’s Changi Airport. The case has raised concerns about security and trust at one of Asia’s busiest travel hubs.
Muhammad Fadhil Mohamed Salleh, 36, admitted to pilfering a total of S$650 from five departing passengers while working at Terminal 4’s departure hall. The court heard that Fadhil pleaded guilty to three charges involving S$550 stolen from three individuals, with two additional charges considered during sentencing.
The thefts occurred in September 2023, when Fadhil exploited his position to target vulnerable travellers. In one instance, on 20 September, he led a 33-year-old man from Vanuatu to an interview room after the traveller was flagged by the immigration system. Under the guise of a routine check, Fadhil instructed the man to empty his bag onto a table.
Employing a cunning technique, Fadhil counted the traveller’s cash in segments, surreptitiously pocketing several notes while the unsuspecting passenger repacked his belongings. This method was repeated with two other victims on 26 and 28 September, resulting in a total theft of S$550 from these three individuals.
The scheme unravelled when one of the victims reported the theft through ICA’s feedback channel, triggering an internal investigation. Consequently, the ICA filed a police report on 1 October, leading to Fadhil’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Mark Chia emphasised the gravity of Fadhil’s actions, stating that they “severely undermine Singapore’s standing as a leading international travel hub.” DPP Chia argued that such offences jeopardise the nation’s reputation as one of the world’s safest tourist destinations, posing the rhetorical question: “If travellers are not safe from even its law enforcement officers, who are they safe from?”
The prosecution pushed for a 15-month prison sentence, stressing the need for a strong deterrent and to demonstrate zero tolerance for abuse of authority. The court ultimately handed down a 14-month jail term, striking a balance between punishment and deterrence.
This case has sent shockwaves through Singapore’s tourism and aviation sectors, which pride themselves on efficiency, security, and integrity. Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the world’s best, now faces the challenge of reassuring travellers and reinforcing its commitment to passenger safety and security.
The incident also highlights the importance of robust internal checks and balances within law enforcement agencies. The ICA’s swift action in investigating the complaint and referring the matter to the police demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct among its officers.
Fadhil is scheduled to begin serving his sentence on 9 September, with bail set at S$10,000. The case serves as a cautionary tale for those in positions of authority and underscores the severe consequences of betraying public trust.
