NSF, 22, identified as lone suspected perpetrator of false bomb threat at Paya Lebar Air Base

A 22-year-old full-time national serviceman (NSF) has been identified as the suspected perpetrator of the false bomb threat at the Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) on Jan. 23.

The NSF was placed under close arrest in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Detention Barracks on Jan. 28, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said in a release on Feb. 9

The NSF was working at PLAB at the time.

What he allegedly did

The NSF allegedly created an online post on Jan. 23, claiming that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were installed at 12 specified locations within PLAB, and in the vehicles of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) senior officers.

The threat was confirmed to be a hoax after bomb sweeps and other precautionary measures were taken.

Current evidence suggests that the NSF was a lone perpetrator.

The NSF is currently being investigated.

Depending on the outcome of investigations, he could be charged under Section 268A of the Penal Code 1871 – Communicating False Information of Harmful Thing, where he will be tried via General Court Martial.

This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and S$50,000 fine.

The SAF said it treats all security threats seriously. Perpetrators of fake security threats will be dealt with under the law.

Top photo via RSAF