A former Singapore police officer, Koh Kian Tiong, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to corruption charges linked to a high-profile gambling syndicate. Koh, also known as Mark Koh, had been a fugitive for nearly 17 years before being arrested and extradited from China in April 2024.
The 52-year-old former assistant superintendent with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) admitted to accepting S$47,700 (US$35,700) in bribes from Chua Chin Hoe, a notorious figure in Singapore’s underground gambling network. The bribes were exchanged for confidential police information, which Koh leaked to help Chua evade police raids and enforcement actions.
Long-Term Corruption and Evasion
The court heard that Koh’s corrupt activities began as early as 2006, when he first accepted a S$15,000 bribe from Chua to settle divorce legal fees. He later requested another S$16,000 to pay off his credit card debts and was routinely treated to lavish entertainment, including club outings and expensive drinks.
Koh even introduced Chua to at least five other CID officers, encouraging a culture of acceptance for unethical hospitality. Chua reportedly spent over S$27,000 entertaining Koh and other officers in a pattern of corrupt influence that implicated 31 individuals in total.
When the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) began investigating in 2007, Koh fled to China while on leave, and a red notice was issued by Interpol. He remained at large until 2024, when he was finally extradited and arrested upon arrival at Changi Airport after serving unrelated sentences in China.
Financial Penalties and Additional Time
In addition to his jail sentence, Koh was fined S$1,000 and ordered to repay the full bribe amount of S$47,700. If he fails to pay, he faces an additional 47 days and one week behind bars.
The sentence reflects not just the gravity of Koh’s corruption but also his prolonged evasion of justice. His actions, particularly as a senior law enforcement official, have been viewed as a severe breach of public trust.
Broader Implications for Integrity in Law Enforcement
The case has prompted renewed scrutiny of internal corruption within Singapore’s police force, particularly concerning how a senior officer could facilitate illegal operations and involve multiple colleagues in unethical conduct.
Singapore’s judiciary reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, emphasising that such crimes—especially by those entrusted with upholding the law—will be met with stern penalties, regardless of how long it takes to bring the offender to justice.
Closing Remarks
Koh’s sentencing brings to a close one of Singapore’s most enduring fugitive corruption cases. While justice has finally been served, the case underscores the need for continued vigilance, transparency, and accountability in law enforcement to protect the integrity of public institutions.
