Ex-cop jailed 6 months

As a police officer from the anti-unlicensed moneylending task force, he was entrusted with sums of money from people caught for loansharking activities.

But Ling Hock Huat, 39, abused his authority and on Jan 30, 2007, misappropriated more than $2,000 at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Police Cantonment Complex.

He was jailed for six months yesterday after pleading guilty to one count of criminal breach of trust.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Kenneth Chin said a 41-year-old man was arrested on Jan 24, 2007 after allowing his wife's bank account to be used for unlicensed moneylending activities.

Ling told the man to close the account and surrender the money to the police.

The man handed over $2,025.98. Ling did not hand over the money to his supervisors as required. The offence only came to light during an audit in December 2011.

Investigations showed Ling had used the money for his personal expenses and to pay off his gambling debts. He has made no restitution. He could have been jailed up to 15 years and fined.

In a statement, the police said: "Officers of the Singapore Police Force are expected to uphold high standards of discipline and integrity from the moment they join the force. (They) are expected to abide by the law and set a good example. Officers who commit offences can expect to be charged in court and be dealt with in accordance to the law.

"Staff Sergeant Ling Hock Huat, formerly an investigation officer, joined the force on Dec 9, 1994. He has been interdicted from service since Oct 23, 2009.

"Following his conviction... we will be commencing disciplinary proceedings under the Police Force Act against (him)."

This article was first published on Sep 2, 2014.
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