Ex-IRAS tax investigator, 49, charged for accessing taxpayer info illegally after friend asked

A 49-year-old former Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) principal tax investigator was charged with allegedly accessing taxpayer information illegally in response to queries from friends and acquaintances.

Mansur, whose alias is Thio Shuang Liuong, faced 20 charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act and a charge under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) on Jul. 22, CNA reported.

Loh Chee Wee, a 50-year-old director of Transstar Asia, also faced a charge under OSA for allegedly receiving protected information from Mansur.

Between May 2014 and January 2016, Mansur allegedly used his IRAS account to gain unauthorised access to the IRAS computer systems.

He apparently obtained tax information relating to individuals and companies on multiple occasions.

On Jul. 29, 2014, Loh purportedly queried Mansur on whether a company sharing office space with Transstar Asia was being investigated by IRAS.

Mansur allegedly obtained information from the IRAS systems and disclosed it to Loh.

Loh was apparently not authorised to receive such information.

According to CNA, Mansur was unrepresented and told the court he intends to engage a lawyer.

Both men reportedly did not indicate a plea.

Both of their cases were adjourned to Aug. 19.

Under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act, offenders convicted of unauthorised access to computer material are liable to a jail term up to two years, a fine up to S$5,000, or both.

Under OSA, offenders convicted of an offence are liable to a jail term of up to two years and a fine up to S$2,000.