A 32-year-old Chinese national has been charged in Singapore after allegedly attempting to bribe immigration officers and airport personnel on multiple occasions to secure entry into the country.
Zhang Yanxiong faces six charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act over alleged attempts to offer money to eight individuals at Changi Airport Terminal 1.
According to the charges, the incidents took place on Sept 29, when Zhang allegedly made six separate attempts to offer cash to Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers and other airport employees.
The total amount involved in the alleged bribes was S$800.
All eight individuals reportedly rejected the money, and the matter was subsequently referred to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).
Alleged Bribes Offered To Immigration Officers And Airport Staff
Court documents reportedly indicate that Zhang targeted several individuals involved in airport operations and immigration clearance.
Among the alleged offers were payments of at least S$100 to three ICA officers, while other offers included S$150 to two ICA officers on separate occasions, as well as another S$150 offer to an individual ICA officer.
Apart from immigration personnel, Zhang allegedly attempted to offer S$150 to a Certis Aviation security officer and S$100 to a customer service officer.
The alleged payments were intended to influence the immigration clearance process and help him gain entry into Singapore.
However, none of the eight individuals accepted the offers.
Faces Up To Five Years’ Jail If Convicted
Following the discovery of the alleged incidents, the case was referred to CPIB for investigation.
Zhang was formally charged on Nov 5 under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Under the legislation, anyone found guilty of corruptly giving, agreeing to give, or offering gratification to an agent as an inducement or reward can face a maximum fine of S$100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The case highlights Singapore’s strict stance against corruption, particularly involving public officers and individuals responsible for immigration and airport security operations.
For travellers entering Singapore, immigration clearance remains subject to established procedures, and attempting to influence officers through unofficial payments can result in serious criminal consequences.
Zhang’s case will proceed through the Singapore judicial system, where the allegations will be dealt with in court.