S'porean man, 34, charged for seeking S$8,000 in bribes in exchange for info on HSA vape raids

A 34-year-old Singaporean man was charged in court on Sep. 5 for an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, CNA reported.

Michael Anthony Pillay was a Chief Enforcement Supervisor in WSH Experts Pte Ltd, a company authorised by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to conduct tobacco enforcement duties.

In 2024, Pillay attempted to get bribes in exchange for information on vape enforcement raids by HSA, according to a press release by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

Tried to obtain bribes several times

Pillay had allegedly tried to obtain bribes of S$8,000 in total from Chua Wee Ming on multiple occasions in 2024.

In return, he would provide the man with "exclusive information" about vape enforcement raids conducted by HSA.

According to CNA, Chua is a Malaysian man named in reports linked to another vape stash worth more than S$5 million, which HSA seized.

Chua has been remanded since October 2024 and has more than 20 charges against him.

Case adjourned to October

Pillay appeared in court unrepresented, reported CNA. He said that he needs time to get a lawyer.

The case has been adjourned to October 2025.

If found guilty, he may be fined up to S$100,000, or jailed for up to five years, or both.

Members of the public may report potential cases of corruption to the CPIB via the bureau's online e-Complaint form, email to [email protected], call the Duty Officer at 1800-376-0000, or write in to the CPIB Headquarters at 2 Lengkok Bahru (S159047).

These channels also allow for anonymous reports, which will be looked into by the CPIB.

Top photos via Canva