A 48-year-old Singapore Prison Service (SPS) administration officer, Mohamed Rahadian Mohamed Kassim, allegedly took $406 in cash from an inmate and subsequently lied to a police officer that he had found it, according to The Straits Times.
Understanding the Charges
Mohamed Rahadian Mohamed Kassim, a 48-year-old SPS administration officer, faces three serious charges:
1. Criminal Breach of Trust
The first charge against Rahadian pertains to criminal breach of trust. He is accused of unlawfully taking $406 in cash from an inmate. This charge underscores the significance of trust and accountability within the prison service.
2. Perverting the Course of Justice
In the second charge, Rahadian is accused of perverting the course of justice. This offense involves tampering with evidence or obstructing the legal process. The circumstances surrounding this charge remain somewhat mysterious, as it is unclear why he allegedly placed the money between polymer bags.
3. Giving False Information to a Policeman
The third charge alleges that Rahadian provided false information to a police officer. According to court documents, he claimed to have found the $406 in a pocket of his trousers while ironing, which he later handed to the officer. This act led to the police investing additional time and resources investigating.
The Timeline of Events
The incident unfolded on November 18, 2022, within a property processing room at Institution S2 in Upper Changi Road North.
Rahadian was reportedly in the same room when he allegedly took the inmate’s money. Three days later, he found himself in the room again, where he is believed to have tampered with the evidence.
The next significant event occurred on December 30, 2022, when Rahadian spoke to a police inspector in a Jalan Mata Ayer condominium unit near Sembawang Road.
During this conversation, he claimed to have found the $406 in his trousers and handed it over to the officer. This action triggered a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Consequences
Rahadian’s case is set to be mentioned in court on October 25. If convicted of criminal breach of trust by a public servant, he could face a life sentence or up to 20 years in jail, along with a fine.
SPS’s Stance
In response to the allegations, the Singapore Prison Service issued a statement on January 13, 2023, confirming Rahadian’s suspension. They expressed their commitment to upholding exemplary standards of integrity, discipline, and personal conduct among their officers.