SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN):  A group of Chinese nationals allegedly planned to get caught offering bribes to enforcement officers, so that they could prolong their stay in Singapore while investigations were ongoing.

Their plan was to obtain special passes and sell illegal sex enhancement medications while out on bail, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on July 18.

The mastermind behind the scheme is believed to be a Singaporean drug abuser, who has been arrested and is being investigated by the Central Narcotics Bureau.

On July 18, five of the foreigners were charged with corruption.

Xiao Xiezhi, 43, faces three charges of allegedly offering bribes amounting to $400 to three National Environment Agency (NEA) enforcement officers on Jan 22 after being caught smoking under a bus stop shelter.

Xu Zhishen, 37, faces two charges of allegedly offering bribes of $119 to two police officers on April 27 in the vicinity of Sri Mariamman Temple in South Bridge Road.

Xu Bixin, 31, faces one charge of allegedly trying to bribe a police officer with $70 on May 3 to not conduct an identity check on him.

Huang Chuangshun, 40, faces two charges of allegedly offering $100 in bribes to two NEA officers on June 23 after they caught him smoking at a non-designated smoking area in Orchard.

Lin Liangjun, 32, faces four charges of allegedly offering $160 in bribes to four police officers on June 24 to refrain from taking enforcement action against him for his involvement in a traffic accident, by not inquiring further on his identity.

All 12 officers rejected the bribes.

The foreigners were caught and previously released on agency bail.

CPIB investigations found that the accused persons had allegedly paid their bailors to facilitate their bail and bail extensions.

While previously out on bail and pending investigations, the men were issued special passes, allowing them to remain in Singapore.

Foreigners issued with special passes are not allowed to work here, unless they have valid work passes.

The men allegedly sold illegal sexual enhancement medications while out on bail.

One of the accused, Xiao, was taken back to the scene in Geylang Lorong 20 by CPIB officers on July 17. He had allegedly handed money to bailors outside the New Cathay Hotel there.

The area is a known hub of illicit activity, where illegal sex drugs are often seen being sold openly by street peddlers.

Several makeshift roadside booths were seen with such products on display even as the media and CPIB officers were in the area.

Investigations into the scheme are ongoing.

The prosecutor told the court the men should not be granted bail as they had committed offences after being out on bail previously.

She added that they previously paid their bailors to stand as bailors for them, and there is a risk of them colluding and committing more offences.

She said: “If the accused persons are released on bail, there is a real risk of collusion, not just among themselves but with other individuals who are currently being investigated.”

The judge ordered for the men to be remanded without bail.

Their cases will be heard again on Aug 1.

Those convicted of bribery can be jailed for up to five years and fined up to $100,000.

CPIB said it looks into all corruption-related complaints and reports, including anonymous ones.

Reports can be made online; by e-mailing report@cpib.gov.sg; by calling 1800-376-0000; or by mailing CPIB Headquarters @ 2 Lengkok Bahru, S159047.

CPIB said where possible, the report should include where, when and how the alleged corrupt act happened; who was involved and their roles; and what bribe was given and favour shown. – The Straits Times/ANN