CPIB officer in graft case to make plea on Jan 21

An assistant director of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) accused of pocketing at least $1.7 million will indicate his plea on Jan 21.

Edwin Yeo Seow Hiong, 39, was head of the field research and technical support of the anti-graft agency when he allegedly siphoned money that was meant to pay for the bureau's operations beginning in 2008 until his ruse was uncovered last year.

He faces a total of 21 charges - eight of criminal breach of trust as a public servant, one of forging a receipt, and 12 of using the proceeds of crime to gamble at Marina Bay Sands casino.

At a pre-trial conference yesterday, the court set Jan 6 for the prosecution and defence to meet a judge in chambers to settle outstanding matters.

Yeo, who is represented by Mr Tan Hee Joek, was charged in court in July.

Two months later, the Public Service Division announced that all public servants will have to declare, within seven days, their visits to local casinos if they have done so more than four times a month, or if they buy an annual pass.

For criminal breach of trust, Yeo faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or 20 years' jail and a fine.

For forgery, the maximum penalty is four years' jail and a fine.

If convicted of using proceeds from his crime, Yeo faces a fine of up to $500,000 and/or a jail term of up to seven years on each charge.

elena@sph.com.sg

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