Former NLB Assistant Director Corruptly Pocketed Fortune

In a shocking case of corporate greed, Adrian Chan Siew Leng, a former assistant director of Singapore's National Library Board (NLB), was sentenced to two years, 10 months, and 10 weeks in prison for accepting a staggering $140,000 in bribes from company directors between 2018 and 2020.

Desperate Times Led to Dishonest Deals

Facing financial turmoil due to personal loans and a divorce, Chan chose a criminal path to ease his burdens. He manipulated his position to favor two companies, including Broadcast Engineering Services (BES), which specializes in media technology solutions, in exchange for hefty bribes.

Details of the Deceit: How the Scheme Worked

In a series of deceitful actions, Chan facilitated BES in securing a contract worth over $8 million while simultaneously lining his pockets with illicit cash. He conspired with BES director, Francis Lim Boon Hor, revealing a scheme where Chan solicited bribes purportedly for educational sponsorship related to a master’s program.

A Tangle of Lies: Conspiracy and Cheating

The prosecution revealed that Chan not only accepted bribes but also engaged in a conspiracy to deceive the NLB itself. He falsified details regarding contract variations, ensuring that NLB was misled into spending an additional $246,100 that BES was not entitled to.

More Corruption: Scheme Expands

Further investigations unveiled Chan's collusion with his close friend, Puan Kai Hsiong, who was a director at another firm. After misleading BES into subcontracting works to a company that wasn't even engaged by NLB, Chan received additional bribes of $50,000 from Puan.

Consequences Await: A Cautionary Tale

On September 17, Chan's guilt led to a swift sentencing, and he was ordered to repay over $103,000. Failure to do so within the stipulated time will see him serving an additional 103 days in prison. With bail set at $150,000, he’s expected to begin his sentence on October 29. The cases involving Lim and Puan remain under investigation, sending ripples through Singapore's corporate and public sectors.

Public Outcry and Calls for Reform

This scandal raises urgent questions about transparency and ethical standards in public service, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such abuses in the future.