A former BP executive has been charged in connection with obtaining $3.95 million in bribes in what is being described as one of the largest corruption cases in the country.
Clarence Chang Peng Hong, a former regional director for marine fuels with the supermajor, has been charged with taking bribes from an executive at a petroleum products supplier.
According to the charge sheet from Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) this was done in order to advance the company’s business interests with BP.
The 51-year-old faces a total of 47 charges.
These include transferring money that was “benefits of corrupt proceeds” to local Singaporean bank accounts from Hong Kong and “converting property” that “were direct or indirect benefits of corrupt proceeds” to buy three houses and two condominiums, the statement said.
The CPIB added: “Those who abuse their position in the company to manipulate deals for personal gains will face dire consequences.”
The alleged offences took place between July 2006 and November 2012.
A BP spokeswoman said in a statement: “We understand charges have been filed against Clarence Chang. His employment with BP ended July 2010.
“We became aware of some concerning activities in 2010 which we reported to the authorities. These charges have been filed by the Singapore authorities, we cannot comment on them.”
Singapore, known for its tough laws, was ranked sixth in Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index.
If found guilty, Chang faces imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine of up to S$500,000 ($352,485) or both, according to the CPIB statement.
Chang’s lawyer, Alfonso Ang, said that he has only received word of the case and is discussing it with his client. The case has been adjourned until April 6.