Australian man, 28, jailed for verbally abusing ICA officers & attempting to leave S'pore using another's passport

A 28-year-old Australian man was jailed and fined on Feb. 21 for verbally abusing Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers and attempting to use another person's passport to leave the country.

In a joint statement by ICA and the Singapore Police Force (SPF), El Sayed Aladdin was sentenced to eight months and two weeks' imprisonment and a fine of S$6,500.

Knuckle dusters and flick knives

On Dec. 14, 2024, ICA officers stopped Aladdin at Changi Airport and conducted checks on his baggage.

The officers found several prohibited items during the checks, which included knuckle dusters and flick knives.

When Aladdin was informed that the matter would be referred to the police for further investigation, he became verbally abusive and made derogatory and insulting remarks against the ICA officers.

The police subsequently impounded Aladdin's passport to prevent him from leaving Singapore while he was under investigation.

However, Aladdin attempted to depart Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint on Dec. 28, 2024, by using a passport that belonged to another person.

He was then arrested by ICA officers and was charged on Dec. 30, 2024.

Using another person's passport is an offence under the Passports Act 2007 and carries a punishment of up to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

Using insulting language against a public servant is an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 and carries a punishment of up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.

"The authorities take a serious view of persons who obstruct public servants from carrying out their duties. We will also not tolerate any form of abusive behaviour towards our officers and will take stern action against the offenders," said SPF and ICA.

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