Muthuvel Sankar, a 41 year old Indian national was sentenced to 18 months jail after being charged with five counts of corruption involving about S$2,800, six counts of GST evasion amounting to S$29,800 and one amalgamated charge of removing the criminal benefits from Singapore amounting to S$27,895.
Sankar was arrested when he tried to renter Singapore in 2019. He had made at least six fraudulent tourist refund claims under the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme. Sanka conspired with Mohamed Yusof Abdul Rahman, a customs officer with Singapore Customs to obtain refund of at least $29,800.
Yusof was paid $2,800 on five separate occasions as a reward for endorsing his claims. On two of these occasions, the act was made through a third-party on behalf of an acquaintance.
“Singapore adopts a zero tolerance approach towards corruption, tax fraud and other criminal activities.
The authorities will not hesitate to take action against any individuals and parties who commit these offences. They can expect to face the full brunt of the law,” the authorities said.