Former National Library Board manager charged with bribery involving approximately S$600,000

NLB officer’s graft goes undetected for 13 years – another librarian who receives bribe not charged

After allegedly receiving nearly S$600,000 from the director of a database company, a former manager at the National Library Board (NLB) was charged with corruption in court today on 23 July.

Ivan Koh Siong Wee, 48, was faced with 56 charges for receiving bribes ranging from S$80 to S$70,000 from Low Pok Woen, 49, in exchange for the advancement of Low’s business interests with the NLB under the capacity of director of Database Resource Services.

It was reported that the two local men committed the offences between 2005 and 2009.

However, ST also reported that according to court documents, on five occasions between Nov 4, 2005, and March 24, 2006, Koh allegedly received from Low bribes totalling $13,500 for a senior NLB librarian by the name of Vernon Lee Tsu Tsuan.

“The Straits Times understands that Mr Lee has not been charged in court,” the report said.

Both of the accused were each offered a bail of S$80,000.

Their pre-trial conferences will be held at the end of next month.

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau said that it will not hesitate to take strict action against any persons who are caught in any form of corrupt practices.

“Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption,” said the Bureau.

Persons who are found guilty of corruption can be jailed for up to five years and fined up to $100,000 for each count.