Chinese national, 38, allegedly tried to bribe NEA officers with S$120 over illegal smoking

A 38-year-old Chinese national has been charged in court for allegedly offering a bribe to two National Environment Agency (NEA) enforcement officers after she was caught smoking in a non-designated area near Orchard Road.

According to a statement issued by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), Lin Qin, who was in Singapore on a social visit pass, was charged on Wednesday (Feb. 4) with one count under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Incident allegedly occurred near Lucky Plaza

The alleged offence took place on Sep. 30, 2025 near Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road.

Lin was allegedly caught smoking in an area where smoking is prohibited, and is accused of offering S$120 to two NEA enforcement officers in an attempt to stop them from taking enforcement action against her.

The officers rejected the offer and referred the matter to the CPIB for investigation.

Charged under Prevention of Corruption Act

Lin faces one charge under Section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which criminalises the act of offering gratification to a public servant in connection with their official duties.

Under the law, a person convicted of an offence under Section 6 may be fined up to S$100,000, jailed for a term not exceeding five years, or both.

Lin did not indicate whether she intended to plead guilty at the time she was charged, according to Zaobao, and said she planned to engage a lawyer.

The case has been adjourned to Mar. 5, and she has been released on S$7,000 bail, Zaobao reported.

CPIB reiterates zero-tolerance stance on corruption

The CPIB reiterated that Singapore maintains a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.

It added that all corruption-related complaints and reports, including anonymous ones, are thoroughly investigated.

Members of the public can report suspected corruption through CPIB’s online e-complaint system.

CPIB can also be reached via its official email ([email protected]), officer on duty (1800-376-0000) or headquarters (CPIB Headquarters @ 2 Lengkok Bahru, S159047).

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