21-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) Teo Hwee Peng, a 49-year-old Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer, has been sentenced to 33 weeks in jail and fined S$2,634 (US$1,940) after being convicted of eight corruption charges. Teo’s crimes involved assisting a female Chinese national in obtaining special passes to extend her stay in Singapore in exchange for sexual favors and money.
Special passes, typically issued by the ICA or the Ministry of Manpower, allow foreigners to remain in Singapore for specific purposes, such as cooperating in investigations or attending court proceedings.
Teo’s misconduct came to light when he met Liang Qinglan, a prostitute, through a contact he had made while working in the ICA’s Intel Operations branch. Between July and October 2018, Teo engaged in a sexual relationship with Liang at her Jurong West residence. Liang, who had overstayed her visa but wanted to continue working in Singapore, sought Teo’s assistance in obtaining a special pass. In return, she offered him a red packet containing 188.88 yuan (S$35).
To facilitate Liang’s request, Teo provided an informant with Liang’s address, leading to her subsequent arrest. This arrest enabled Liang to secure a special pass and remain in Singapore while cooperating with ICA investigations. After her release, Liang met with Teo and paid him between S$2,100 and S$2,200 as a token of gratitude for his help.
Even after receiving the special pass, Liang continued to approach Teo for immigration advice and assistance, which he willingly provided, according to court documents. During the period between October 2018 and July 2019, Teo also borrowed a total of 7,000 yuan from Liang on four separate occasions, but only repaid 5,000 yuan of the loan.
Teo was acquitted of one charge related to receiving a sexual favor from Liang due to unclear evidence. He was also acquitted of three graft charges involving another foreigner, Cheng Wenjuan, who tragically died by suicide in August 2021.
Teo’s defense argued that the red packet he received was merely a symbolic gesture to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and denied soliciting sexual services, gifts, or money from Liang and Cheng. He claimed that he borrowed money from Liang as he faced difficulties in adding funds to his WeChat account, finding it convenient to seek financial assistance from her.
In December 2021, Liang pleaded guilty to three corruption charges and one charge for offering sexual services online. She was subsequently sentenced to 25 weeks in jail and fined S$8,000.
Each count of graft could have carried a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to S$100,000 for Teo.
