Vietnamese Man Offers $8 Bribe at Changi Airport, Ends Up Behind Bars!

A Vietnamese man, Tran Phuong Hau, 29, was sentenced to four months and a week in jail on Jan 10 after attempting to bribe an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer and later attacking a Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) officer with a broken toilet brush in a bid to escape custody.

The incident began on Nov 11, 2024, when Tran arrived at Changi Airport from Vietnam. During a baggage check, ICA officers discovered eight undeclared contraband cigarette packets in his belongings. Despite initially claiming he had nothing to declare, Tran attempted to expedite the process by slipping four $2 notes into the officer’s pocket, asking him to “buy coffee.”

The officer immediately detained Tran, who was then referred to CPIB for further investigation.

While being interviewed at CPIB, Tran requested to use the toilet, where he broke a toilet brush in two and concealed it in his pants. Upon leaving the toilet, he dashed towards the corridor, attempting to flee. When a CPIB officer tried to stop him, Tran lunged at the officer, using the broken toilet brush as a weapon, aiming at the officer's stomach.

Although the officer was unharmed, the attempted attack led to additional charges. Tran was charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act and for using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty.

In court, Deputy Public Prosecutor Xavier Tan emphasized the seriousness of Tran’s actions, including bribery and using a weapon to escape custody. While no injuries were sustained, DPP Tan sought a sentence of four months and one week to six months and two weeks, highlighting the gravity of using a weapon against an officer.

In his defense, Tran pleaded for leniency, stating that it was his first time in Singapore and he was unfamiliar with the country's laws. He expressed remorse and cited his responsibility to care for his family in Vietnam.

The court sentenced Tran to four months and a week in jail, considering his actions and the mitigating factors.

Under Singapore’s Prevention of Corruption Act, offenders convicted of graft face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000. For using criminal force to deter a public servant, the penalty includes up to four years in jail, a fine, or both.

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