Financial Crime World

Regulating Bribery and Corruption in Singapore

Singapore has established a robust legal framework to prevent bribery and corruption involving both domestic and foreign public officers. This article outlines the key provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) and the Penal Code 1871.

Domestic Public Officers: Restrictions on Gifts and Benefits

In Singapore, there are strict regulations governing gifts and benefits extended to domestic public officers. The following points highlight the restrictions:

  • No Unwarranted Presents: Giving presents to domestic public officers may be considered bribes, which is strictly prohibited.
  • Travel Costs and Entertainment: Travel costs and expenses related to entertainment for domestic public officers are subject to scrutiny. These may be viewed as bribes if given with corrupt intent or guilty knowledge.
  • Food Expenses: Similar to travel costs and entertainment, food expenses extended to domestic public officers must be scrutinized. They may be considered bribes if provided with corrupt intent or guilty knowledge.

Foreign Public Officers: Prohibited Gifts and Benefits

While there are no specific limitations on gifts and benefits for foreign public officers, any such presents given with the intention of influencing their decisions or actions would amount to a crime under the PCA. This includes:

  • Prohibited Gifts: Any present given to a foreign public officer with corrupt intent or guilty knowledge may be considered a bribe.
  • Travel Costs and Entertainment: Travel costs and expenses related to entertainment for foreign public officers are subject to scrutiny, similar to domestic public officers.
  • Food Expenses: Food expenses extended to foreign public officers must also be scrutinized. They may be considered bribes if provided with corrupt intent or guilty knowledge.

“Rub of the Green” Payments: Potential Bribery Offenses

The term “rub of the green” refers to payments made in exchange for favorable treatment or decisions. Such payments could be caught by the PCA or the Penal Code 1871, as they may be considered bribes.