In a shocking turn of events, a senior research engineer at the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*Star), Vuong Dao Nghe, 40, has been accused of molesting a 29-year-old woman at Clarke Quay. This incident, is alleged to have occurred around 2.15 am on August 20, 2023, according to The Straits Times.
A*Star, in a statement issued on January 26, emphasized their commitment to the highest standards of conduct and integrity. The organization expressed a stern view towards staff breaching these standards and assured that appropriate action would be taken. However, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, detailed comments on the case were withheld.
Legal Proceedings
Vuong Dao Nghe’s case has been adjourned to February 21, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing investigation. The Singaporean engineer is one among more than 10 men charged with molestation on January 23 in unrelated incidents.
Three of the accused men faced charges related to incidents within Marina Bay Sands. Al Amin, 41, allegedly molested a 27-year-old woman at the Ce La Vi club around 2.40 am on October 12, 2023. Jephthah Goh Poh Khang, 29, faced accusations of molesting a 25-year-old woman at the Marquee Singapore nightclub shortly before 5.20 am on November 25, 2023. Furthermore, on January 1, 2024, July Izaak, 30, allegedly molested a 31-year-old woman at the Avenue Singapore lounge.
Police’s Press Release
11 men, aged between 21 and 67, will be charged in court on 23 January 2024 for their suspected involvement in separate cases of molestation.
The cases are as follows:
- On 7 April 2023, a 67-year-old man allegedly molested a 14-year-old girl at a stall along New Bugis Street. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with three counts of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
- On 18 April 2023, a 24-year-old man allegedly molested a nine-year-old girl outside a residential unit along Tampines Street 83. A Police report was lodged on 23 April 2023. Through swift follow-up investigations, Police officers identified the man and arrested him within an hour of the report. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty of a person below 14 years of age under Section 354(2) of the Penal Code 1871.
- On 6 August 2023, a 48-year-old man allegedly molested three different women, aged between 18 and 40, in the vicinity of Orchard Road. He also allegedly choked another 20-year-old woman’s neck and shoved her backwards. The man was detained at the scene and subsequently arrested on the same day. The man will be charged with three counts of outrage of modesty and one count of criminal force under Section 354(1) and Section 352 of the Penal Code 1871.
- On 20 August 2023, a 40-year-old man allegedly molested a 29-year-old woman at a club along River Valley Road. A police report was lodged on the same day. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
- On 1 September 2023, a 57-year-old man allegedly molested a 32-year-old woman near the junction of River Valley Road and Nathan Road. A police report was lodged on the following day. Through extensive follow-up investigations and ground enquiries, the Police managed to establish the man’s identity and arrested him on 18 September 2023. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
- On 11 September 2023, a 55-year-old man allegedly molested a 31-year-old woman at a coffee shop along Kelantan Lane. He also allegedly punched and kicked her. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty and one count of voluntarily causing hurt under Section 354(1) and Section 323 of the Penal Code 1871 respectively.
- On 7 October 2023, a 38-year-old man allegedly molested a 18-year-old woman at a residential unit along Balestier Road. A Police report was lodged on the following day. The man will be charged with three counts of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
- On 12 October 2023, a 41-year-old man allegedly molested a 27-year-old woman at a club along Bayfront Avenue. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
- On 12 November 2023, a 21-year-old man allegedly molested a 26-year-old woman along Serangoon Road. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
- On 25 November 2023, a 29-year-old man allegedly molested a 25-year-old woman at a club along Bayfront Avenue. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
- On 1 January 2024, a 30-year-old man allegedly molested a 31-year-old woman at a club along Bayfront Avenue. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
The offence of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term which may extend to three years, a fine, caning, or any combination of such punishments.
The offence of outrage of modesty of a person below 14 years of age under Section 354(2) of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term which may extend to five years, a fine, caning, or any combination of such punishments.
Outrage of modesty cases remain a key concern for the Police. The Police treat all reports seriously and will spare no effort to conduct investigations thoroughly and expeditiously, which includes identifying and tracing the suspects through follow-up investigations and with the aid of Police cameras and CCTV footage if they are unknown to the victims. The Police may also place the suspects under arrest for investigations and may prosecute them in court subsequently. The Police have zero tolerance towards sexual offenders who threaten the personal safety of those in the community, and offenders will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.
The Police will continue to work closely with various stakeholders, such as public entertainment outlets, and the community, to prevent and deter molestation cases. The Police would also like to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and to report the matter to the Police immediately, if they witness an incident of molestation, or are aware of someone being a victim of molestation.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 January 2024 @ 4:00 PM