A 43-year-old Singaporean police officer and a 36-year-old Vietnamese woman were charged in court on Sep. 24 for allegedly misusing a computer owned by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 2020.

According to a press release by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on Sep. 24, Chan Zhiyao and Tran Thi Tien had reportedly used the computer to retrieve information pertaining to an undisclosed individual in an unauthorised manner.

Conducted screening and obtained police report number

Between Dec. 9 and 10, 2020, Chan, who was a senior investigation officer under SPF at the time, had allegedly used the computer to conduct a screening on an individual without prior authorisation.

He had also reportedly retrieved a police report number pertaining to the individual involved.

On Dec. 10, 2020, he then allegedly gave Tran the police report number, although it is not clear how he communicated it.

Chan is also accused of misappropriating S$4,000 on Jan. 26, 2023, court documents showed.

Another woman had allegedly transferred the money to him.

The reasons for the transaction were not disclosed.

But Chan allegedly told her to lie that the S$4,000 was still in her bank account when she gave her statement to one of his colleagues a week later.

SPF said Chan has since been suspended.

Tien is a Singapore permanent resident.

Charges and penalties

Chan was charged with one count each of misusing a computer system, criminal breach of trust, and performing an act that could pervert the course of justice.

He was also charged under the Official Secrets Act.

Tran was handed one charge under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly receiving information from Chan.

Those found guilty under the Computer Misuse Act can face a fine of up to S$5,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both.

If convicted of the offences under the Official Secrets Act, they can each be jailed for up to two years and fined up to S$2,000.

If convicted of criminal breach of trust, Chan can be jailed for up to 20 years and fined.

Top photo via Shin Min Daily News & Unsplash