Former Police Officer Jailed for Bribery After Nearly Two Decades on the Run

On 26 May 2025, former police officer Koh Kian Tiong was sentenced to nine years in prison for accepting bribes totaling $47,700 and deserting his post, after evading authorities for nearly 17 years. Koh, now 53 years old, had been on the run since 2008 before his eventual arrest and return to Singapore.

Between July and December 2006, while serving in the Secret Societies Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department, Koh accepted bribes from nightclub operators in exchange for advance notice of police raids and information about investigations into unlicensed employment of foreign hostesses.

In 2008, as the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) was closing in on him, Koh fled Singapore. A warrant for his arrest was issued, and he remained a fugitive until his return to Singapore in October 2023, when he was arrested at Changi Airport after arriving from Vietnam.

Koh faced 14 charges, including eight for corruption and six for failing to report for duty without reasonable cause. He pleaded guilty to five charges, with the remaining taken into consideration for sentencing. Prosecutors described his offences as a "clear and egregious abuse of his position as a law enforcement officer."

During sentencing, the court noted that Koh had deliberately evaded justice for an extended period and that his crimes had caused serious damage to public trust in the police force. The judge emphasized that law enforcement officers must be held to the highest standards and that betrayal of duty warranted significant punishment.

The defence argued that Koh had suffered health issues while in hiding and returned voluntarily, but the court rejected any substantial mitigation, highlighting that fleeing the country to avoid accountability was an aggravating factor.

In addition to the prison sentence, Koh was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay a penalty equivalent to the amount of bribes he received. The court's decision underscores the importance of accountability and the rule of law, particularly within law enforcement agencies.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that public servants are held accountable, regardless of the time elapsed. This case serves as a strong warning that corruption within enforcement agencies will be met with swift and firm action.

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