Former British Council Singapore director sentenced to prison for taking $74,000 bribes

Kok Keong pleaded guilty to three counts of bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and 12 other charges were considered during sentencing, CNA reported.

From September 2014 to February 2020, Kok Keong served as Director of Resources at the British Council and was responsible for planning and budgeting for the management of its premises.

During this time, he accepted cash bribes totaling S$100,300 from his co-accused, Lee Lian Hiang, 55, and Ong Seck Cheng, 52, to help their businesses secure projects with the international organization.

Around 2014, Lian Hiang, director of BuildCool Engineering Services, a long-time supplier to the British Council, entered into an agreement with Kok Keong.

They agreed that the latter would provide BuildCool with inside information on upcoming projects, giving the company an advantage in preparing for tenders.

Kok Keong ensured that BuildCool was always invited to quote for all projects, thereby increasing its chances of winning contracts.

In addition, he collaborated with Lian Hiang to determine indicative prices for the work to be carried out and establish appropriate budgets for the projects.

The resource manager also discussed bids from other suppliers with the BuildCool director and helped him prepare for the tender committee interviews.

Kok Keong would in turn receive a share of BuildCool's profits, which was paid in cash to avoid leaving a paper trail.

He used this money for daily expenses and to pay his credit card bills.

Between 2014 and 2018, Kok Keong received a total of S$84,500 from Lian Hiang.

Kok Keong accepted an additional S$15,800 in bribes between 2015 and 2020 from Ong, the director of corporate renovation service provider Encompass Construction.

He also helped Ong secure projects from the British Council for around 5-10% of the value of the entire contract won as commission.

According to Kok Keong's lawyer, he has since voluntarily made full restitution.

He was allowed to begin serving his sentence on June 24.

Lee Kok Keong, Lee Lian Hiang and Ong Seck Cheng are among a group of 16 people who were charged with corruption and cheating in relation to advertising and service contracts earlier this year, according to The Strait Era.

Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, each count of bribery carries a maximum fine of S$100,000 and a five-year prison term, while those found guilty of cheating can be fined and sentenced to up to three years in prison.