S’pore Man, 35, Faces Jail After Sending Fake MBS Fire Image To SM Lee’s Facebook As A ‘Prank’
A 35-year-old Singaporean man is facing possible jail time after he sent a fabricated image showing Marina Bay Sands (MBS) on fire to Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s Facebook page, accompanied by a message containing the word “bomb”.
According to CNA, The incident prompted a police report and additional security measures at one of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks.
The man, identified as Andie Tan Kok Yong, pleaded guilty in court on June 18 and is currently awaiting sentencing.
Fake Image Sent Via Facebook Messenger
According to court documents, Tan came across the fake image while browsing Facebook on Sept. 29, 2025.
He downloaded the image onto his phone before sending it to Senior Minister Lee’s official Facebook page via Facebook Messenger at about 2.57pm.
The message he sent read:
“Bomb $1,500billion++ wit management approved of 1st boss not merlion boss of tan jun yan”
Court documents stated that Tan knew the image was false and intended the act as a prank.
Police Report Triggered Security Response
An administrator managing Senior Minister Lee’s Facebook page noticed the message and immediately took a screenshot before lodging a police report.
Following the report, police alerted Marina Bay Sands security personnel to increase patrols around the integrated resort as a precautionary measure.
Investigators later traced the message back to Tan.
During questioning, he admitted to sending the image and message.
Man Also Reset Phone After Sending Message
Authorities revealed that Tan performed a factory reset on his mobile phone sometime between September and December 2025 after sending the message.
He now faces an additional charge for allegedly obstructing the course of justice.
The prosecution argued that although the message was not particularly credible, it still caused concern and led to resources being deployed.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Andrew Chia described the act as effectively creating a bomb hoax involving a high-value target.
Prosecution Seeking Up To Eight Weeks’ Jail
For knowingly transmitting false information, offenders can face:
- A fine of up to S$10,000
- Up to three years’ imprisonment
- Or both
The prosecution is seeking a jail sentence of between four and eight weeks.
Tan’s sentencing will take place at a later date.
The case also serves as a reminder that sharing false threats, fake images or hoax messages involving critical infrastructure or national landmarks can carry serious legal consequences in Singapore.