Former Seagate director, sister imprisoned for corruption

They were found guilty of taking bribes amounting to $2.32m.

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on 11 January found former senior director of logistics of Seagate Teo Chu Ha Henry and his sister Teo Suya Bik Judy guilty of taking bribes from two Chinese trucking companies.

Henry, a 72-year-old Singaporean, was sentenced to 50 months of imprisonment whilst his sister Judy, 68, was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment and a penalty of $2,320,864.10.

The evidence at the trial revealed that Henry had access to confidential information that Seagate had called for open tenders to source for companies to provide long haul trucking services in the People’s Republic of China in 2006 and 2009. He then relayed this information to Judy, who made a deal with Feili International Transport Co. Ltd and Shanghai Long-Distance Transportation Co. (SLT) to help them secure contracts with Seagate. In return, they paid Judy a sum amounting to 10% on all invoices billed to Seagate under the contracts which they dubbed as "commisions".

Between 2007 to 2010, Judy had received a total of around CN¥ 11.3m ($2.32m) in gratifications from Feili and SLT.

The conspiracy between the two siblings was proven when evidence revealed that Henry used the money paid to Judy to purchase a condominium unit, priced at $1.12m, in 2012 in his sister’s name. He also withdrew what amounted to $703,480 which he deposited in his personal account.

According to the CPIB, their actions constituted an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act. Under Section 37 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Singapore citizens who committed corrupt acts overseas will be prosecuted as if they have committed the acts in Singapore.

Any person who is convicted of a corruption offence can be fined up to $100,000 or sentenced to imprisonment of up to five years or both. The additional penalties for corruption offences are pursuant to section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, whereby the Court shall order those convicted of accepting gratification in contravention of any provision under the Prevention of Corruption Act to pay a penalty.