A 20-year-old former full-time national serviceman with the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Fahd Siddiqui, was charged for attempting to obtain free sexual services from a social escort by showing his warrant card. He later tried the same approach with two other escorts. Fahd was initially assessed as suitable for probation, but the court ultimately decided on a more severe punishment due to the abuse of his official authority as a police officer.
7 Days Jail
Fahd was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment by the High Court in September 2022, following an appeal. Justice Tay Yong Kwang, in his judgment, emphasized that Fahd’s actions might have eroded public trust and confidence in the integrity of law enforcement. Despite Fahd’s remorse, positive achievements in school and national service, and strong familial support, the court found probation unsuitable due to the nature of the offence.
Fahd had contacted a social escort through Locanto and agreed to pay S$400 for her services. However, upon meeting her, he claimed she was not the person in the advertisement and threatened to report her to the police if she did not provide free services. The escort, who had recently arrived in Singapore, was frightened and called her agent. Fahd left the room without receiving any services.
The court ruled that a short-term imprisonment would be more appropriate in this case, as it serves the purpose of deterrence and allows the offender to move on with life once released. Fahd was initially considered for probation due to his potential for reform, but the judge found his use of the warrant card and flaunting of police powers in an attempt to obtain gratification reprehensible.
Tay emphasized that corruption or attempted corruption by police officers must be deterred by punishment to maintain public trust in law enforcement. Fahd was eventually given a short-detention order, which allows him to serve his punishment and move on with his life while emphasizing the unacceptable nature of his conduct. Fahd will begin serving his sentence on March 11 and remains out on bail. Those convicted of corruption in Singapore can be fined up to S$100,000, jailed for up to five years, or both.
This case serves as a reminder that the abuse of police power and authority for personal gain is a serious offence that warrants punishment to maintain public trust and confidence in law enforcement. It also highlights the importance of balancing rehabilitation, deterrence, and retribution in sentencing young offenders.