All related persons with illegal bunkering activities face charges
The bunkering industry in Singapore is a lucrative business with more than 65,000 bunkering operations taking place here every year. In 2012, Singapore was the world’s top bunkering port with bunker sales volume of more than 42 million metric tonnes (mt). With the present high bunker prices, there is a high temptation for opportunistic individuals to take advantage of the chances to reap large profits and pay-offs.
Earlier this year, acting on information received of illegal bunkering activities, officers from the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) conducted a joint operation involving a bunker barge, MT Ivory.
Subsequent investigations revealed that during a bunkering operation, four people came together to ensure that MT Ivory delivered a shortfall of marine fuel to the vessel – MT Front Splendor. The vessel had received less fuel than the amount of 2662.389 mt stated in the documents. The intent of this endeavour was to enable the buying back of the extra fuel.
Investigations revealed that the Chief Engineer had received a payment of US$8,400 from, the Cargo Officer to accept the short delivery of marine fuel. The Chief Engineer then gave a sum of US$400 to the independent surveyor, to provide false verification. The surveyor further received US$5,500 from the Cargo Officer for the deal.
Investigations also revealed that the Cargo Officer had given US$200 to ,the boatman who had obtained confirmation to proceed with the deal, and for delivering the amount of US$18,000 to pay for the extra fuel resulting from the shortfall. To account for the extra fuel on board MT Ivory, Cargo Officer falsified a barge transfer advice and the stock movement logbook to indicate a bogus transfer of fuel from another vessel, MT Hai Soon X, to the MT Ivory.
The Chief Engineer will be charged with one count of corruptly obtaining a gratification of US$8,400 (which is an offence under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241); one count of corruptly giving a gratification of US$400 to Victor (under Section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241); and two counts of knowingly using false documents with the intent to deceive his employer, M/s V Ships (under Section 6(C) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, chapter 241).
The Cargo Officer will be charged with three counts of corruptly giving US$5,500 to Victor; US$8,400 to the Chief Engineer ; and US$200 to the boatman under Section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241; and one count of knowingly using false documents to deceive M/s V Ships UK under Section 6(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241. In addition, the Cargo Officer faces two charges of falsifying documents under Section 477A of the Penal Code, Chapter 224.
The boatman will be charged with two counts of abetting by engaging in a conspiracy with Jason, under Section 6(b) read with Section 29(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241; and one count of corruptly accepting a gratification of US$200 under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241.
The surveyor will be charged with two counts of corruptly obtaining a gratification of US$5,500 and US$400 from Jason and Antonov respectively under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241. In addition, Victor will also face one count of knowingly using false documents with the intent to deceive M/s V Ships UK under Section 6(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 241.
All four accused persons will be charged in Court on 15 May 2013.
Singapore has always adopted a zero tolerance approach towards corruption and criminal activities. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) take a serious view of any corrupt practices in the bunkering industry, and will not hesitate to take action against any parties involved.
Source: MPA Singapore
