Skip to main content

Corruption at Checkpoints: 5 Charged for Bribery and Smuggling Offences

 




On 8 August 2025, a major corruption case involving security officers contracted by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) came to light in Singapore. Four Certis security officers, all working under ICA's operations, were officially charged with offences relating to corruption and breaches of the Official Secrets Act (OSA). The case also involved a fifth individual, Muhammad Sukaimi Gasali, 34, who allegedly gave bribes to these officers in exchange for protection and confidential information regarding enforcement operations.

Sukaimi is accused of providing over $7,600 in bribes to the four Certis officers between June 2021 and July 2023. In return, the officers reportedly refrained from taking enforcement action against him at Jurong Port, particularly concerning contraband or duty-unpaid cigarettes.

One of the officers involved, Sri Daniah Abdul Razak, 26, allegedly received $2,190 in bribes from Sukaimi between February and April 2024. These payments were said to be in exchange for her sharing confidential information about upcoming enforcement activities at Tuas Checkpoint. This information allowed Sukaimi and his accomplices to avoid detection and penalties.

Sukaimi now faces a total of six amalgamated charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act for giving bribes to the four officers. In addition, he has been handed:

  • Four charges under the Official Secrets Act (OSA)

  • Two charges for abetment to engage in conspiracy

  • Four charges related to the storage of contraband or duty-unpaid cigarettes

  • Two charges for dealing with contraband cigarettes

The extent of the illegal operation includes the alleged importation of 22 cartons and 470 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore. This smuggling operation was reportedly done in conspiracy with Daniah and another unnamed individual. When authorities conducted investigations, 16 packets of contraband cigarettes were found at Sukaimi’s residence, while 9 packets were recovered from Daniah’s home.

The total estimated amount of excise duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded exceeded $10,900, underscoring the financial scale of this illegal operation.

As for Daniah, her alleged involvement led to the following charges:

  • Two charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act

  • Two charges for abetment in conspiring to import uncustomed goods

  • Two charges for storing uncustomed goods

  • One charge under the Official Secrets Act (OSA)

The other three Certis officers, Muhammad Haaziq Karudin, 33; Muhammad Khairul Amir Suhaimi, 25; and Mohamad Aziffi Selamat, 32 were each handed one corruption charge and one charge under the OSA. Their alleged offence involved providing sensitive information to Sukaimi about enforcement checks at Jurong Port on various occasions spanning from June 2021 to April 2024.

This case raises serious concerns about internal security breaches and potential abuse of power within enforcement and checkpoint operations. The release of confidential information not only undermines national efforts to curb smuggling and contraband activity but also damages the trust placed in contracted security personnel.

The legal proceedings are still ongoing. Sukaimi, Daniah, and Haaziq are scheduled to return to court for a further hearing on 5 September 2025, while Aziffi and Khairul are expected to plead guilty on 19 September 2025.

This case highlights the vulnerability of enforcement systems to insider threats and the importance of strict oversight over contracted officers, especially those operating in high-security areas such as checkpoints and ports. Investigations are ongoing, and more developments may unfold as court proceedings continue.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...

Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Hailing with 4 Drivers Caught in LTA Operation

  In a recent operation conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, four drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal ride-hailing services. These unauthorized services operated both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, posing significant risks to passengers. The LTA has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against using such illegal services due to the lack of proper licensing and insurance, which can leave passengers vulnerable in the event of accidents. The operation underscores LTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of ride-hailing services in Singapore. Drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. These measures are in place to deter unlicensed operators and protect passengers from potential harm. Illegal ride-hailing services oft...