Jail for ex-cop who was on the run for nearly 17 years after taking $48k in bribes

A former police officer was sentenced to nine years' jail on May 26 after obtaining monetary bribes totalling $47,700 from a man linked to unlawful gambling activities.

- Shaffiq Alkhatib

Koh Kian Tiong, alias Mark Koh, who went on the run for almost 17 years till 2024, was also fined $1,000 and ordered to pay a penalty equivalent to the amount of bribes.

If he fails to pay the total amount of $48,700, Koh, now 52, will have to spend an additional 47 days and a week behind bars.

At the time of the offences, Koh was an assistant superintendent with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He had obtained the bribes from Chua Chin Hoe, who was then notorious for operating several illegal gambling dens across Singapore.

In exchange, Koh provided Chua with information about CID operations that could affect the latter's criminal activities.

On May 21, Koh pleaded guilty to five counts of graft involving cash totalling $31,000 and one count of desertion under the Police Force Act.

Ten other graft charges linked to the remaining $16,700 were considered during his sentencing.

Koh obtained monetary benefits and free entertainment from Chua between January 2006 and May 2007.