Latest news with #OfficialSecretsAct
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Jail for cop who told woman he could help with her drug case if she had sex with him
Sean Teo arriving at the State Courts on April 15. He was sentenced to 13 months' jail over three charges on June 20. - ST SINGAPORE: A police sergeant heard that a group of people – five women and three men – were arrested in a drug case in late 2019, and he wanted to learn more about the women. Sean Teo then accessed a police computer platform even though he was not involved in the case, saved the women's particulars on his mobile phone and went through their social media profiles. Assuming a false identity, he met one woman he found attractive and told her in December 2019 that he would help her with the case if she had sex with him. But the insurance agent rejected his advances. On June 20, Teo, 29, was sentenced to 13 months' jail over three charges. He had pleaded guilty to one count each of misusing a computer system, soliciting sexual gratification from the woman and an offence under the Official Secrets Act. The court documents did not disclose the outcome of the woman's case, and the police said in an earlier statement that Teo has been suspended from service since January 2020. Deputy public prosecutors David Menon and Jonathan Tan stated in the documents that the woman and seven others were arrested in a suite at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) hotel on Nov 2, 2019. Teo was conducting patrol duties that day when he heard a radio transmission about the case. He was not dispatched to the scene, but one of his colleagues later shared a picture on a WhatsApp chat group of police officers, including Teo. Taken at the suite, the photo showed a white powdery substance on a plate, an MBS access card and a rolled-up S$2 note. Teo saved the photograph on his mobile phone, went on a police computer system and unlawfully accessed an incident report about the case to find out more about the five women. The prosecutors said: 'The accused recorded (their) names and contact numbers... and saved them on his personal mobile phone... The accused searched for (their) social media profiles... as he wanted to see what they looked like.' Teo found the insurance agent's public Instagram profile and decided to reach out to her. He then used a Telegram account that was not linked to his mobile phone number and added her on the messaging platform. He did this in an attempt to conceal his identity and avoid being implicated in any offences, said the prosecutors. Teo contacted the woman via Telegram on Dec 7, 2019, claiming to be interested in buying insurance. He introduced himself as 'James' when they met the next day and told the woman that he knew about the MBS incident. He also claimed that he could help with her case by 'leveraging his connections' with senior officers at the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). When the woman expressed her doubts, he showed her the picture taken at the MBS suite. Teo was not authorised to show it to her, and he had committed an offence under the Official Secrets Act by doing so. After seeing the photo, the woman became convinced that Teo could help her. The prosecutors said: 'The accused told (the woman) that he had friends in CNB, and that he was aware of cases where subjects with connections in CNB could have their urine test results fabricated. '(Teo claimed that) to do this, male subjects had to pay money, while female subjects could either pay money or sleep with the IO (investigation officer). None of this was true. The accused was not personally aware of any instance where CNB investigations had been resolved in this way.' Teo then told the woman that he was willing to help her with the case if she had sex with him. The woman replied that she would ponder over the proposal and the pair parted ways. After the meeting, Teo continued exchanging messages with her via Telegram. In these messages, he alternated between reminding the woman that he could help with her case, and soliciting a sexual and romantic relationship from her. Teo also repeatedly asked her to 'be his woman', saying that she 'could sleep with him instead of sleeping with the CNB IO'. To cover his tracks, he told the woman not to tell anyone about their exchanges, and he deleted his chat logs with her. Court documents do not disclose how his offences came to light, but he later admitted to the authorities that he had been motivated by lust. Teo's bail was set at S$15,000 on June 20, and he is expected to begin serving his sentence on July 7. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Straits Times
Jail for cop who told woman that he could help with her CNB case if she had sex with him
Sean Teo arriving at the State Courts on April 15. He was sentenced to 13 months' jail over three charges on June 20. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG Jail for cop who told woman that he could help with her CNB case if she had sex with him SINGAPORE – A police sergeant heard that a group of people – five women and three men – were arrested i n a drug case in late 2019 , and he wanted to learn more about the women. Sean Teo then accessed a police computer platform even though he was not involved in the case, saved the women's particulars on his mobile phone and went through their social media profiles. Assuming a false identity, he met one woman he found attractive and told her in December 2019 that he would help her with the case if she had sex with him. But the insurance agent rejected his advances. On June 20, Teo, 29, was sentenced to 13 months' jail over three charges. He had pleaded guilty to one count each of misusing a computer system, soliciting sexual gratification from the woman and an offence under the Official Secrets Act. Court documents do not disclose the outcome of the woman's case, and the police said in an earlier statement that Teo has been suspended from service since January 2020. Deputy public prosecutors David Menon and Jonathan Tan stated in the documents that the woman and seven others were arrested in a suite at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) hotel on Nov 2, 2019. Teo was conducting patrol duties that day when he heard a radio transmission about the case. He was not dispatched to the scene, but one of his colleagues later shared a picture on a WhatsApp chat group of police officers, including Teo. Taken at the suite, the photo showed a white powdery substance on a plate, an MBS access card and a rolled up $2 note. Teo saved the photograph on his mobile phone, went on a police computer system and unlawfully accessed an incident report about the case to find out more about the five women. The prosecutors said: 'The accused recorded (their) names and contact numbers... and saved them on his personal mobile accused searched for (their) social media profiles... as he wanted to see what they looked like.' Teo found the insurance agent's public Instagram profile and decided to reach out to her. He then used a Telegram account that was not linked to his mobile phone number and added her on the messaging platform. He did this in an attempt to conceal his identity and avoid being implicated in any offences, said the prosecutors . Teo contacted the woman via Telegram on Dec 7, 2019, claiming to be interested in buying insurance. He introduced himself as 'James' when they met the next day and told the woman that he knew about the MBS incident. He also claimed that he could help with her case by 'leveraging his connections' with senior officers at the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). When the woman expressed her doubts, he showed her the picture taken at the MBS suite. Teo was not authorised to show it to her, and he had committed an offence under the Official Secrets Act by doing so. After seeing the photo , the woman became convinced that Teo could help her. The prosecutors said: 'The accused told (the woman) that he had friends in CNB, and that he was aware of cases where subjects with connections in CNB could have their urine test results fabricated. '(Teo claimed that) to do this, male subjects had to pay money, while female subjects could either pay money or sleep with the IO (investigation officer). None of this was true. The accused was not personally aware of any instance where CNB investigations had been resolved in this way.' Teo then told the woman that he was willing to help her with the case if she had sex with him. The woman replied that she would ponder over the proposal and the pair parted ways. After the meeting, Teo continued exchanging messages with her via Telegram. In these messages, he alternated between reminding the woman that he could help with her case, and soliciting a sexual and romantic relationship from her. Teo also repeatedly asked her to 'be his woman', saying that she 'could sleep with him instead of sleeping with the CNB IO'. To cover his tracks, he told the woman not to tell anyone about their exchanges, and he deleted his chat logs with her. Court documents do not disclose how his offences came to light, but he later admitted to the authorities that he had been motivated by lust. Teo's bail was set at $15,000 on June 20, and he is expected to begin serving his sentence on July 7. Shaffiq Alkhatib is The Straits Times' court correspondent, covering mainly criminal cases heard at the State Courts. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Family of govt staffer held for ‘spying' seeks narco test
1 2 Jaipur: The family of Shakur Khan, a Rajasthan govt employee arrested last month on charges of espionage , has called for a narco-analysis test to prove his innocence, alleging that he was falsely implicated. Khan, who was posted with the employment department in Jaisalmer, was arrested in May by intelligence agencies under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Khan's brother, Mubarak Khan, Thursday wrote to Rajasthan police's director-general of intelligence, requesting that a narco-analysis test be conducted to establish the truth. "We are confident that he is innocent. The test will show he has done nothing wrong," said advocate Idrish Mughal, who is representing Khan. Speaking to TOI, Mughal said the family was ready to bear all expenses for a polygraph, brain mapping, or narco-analysis test. "This is a serious allegation—treason. But we are confident of his innocence and want the truth to come out through scientific methods," he said. Intelligence officials have alleged that Khan maintained contact with individuals linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), including Ehsaan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, who previously worked at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and was expelled after being declared persona non grata. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Mughal, however, argued that such contacts alone should not be construed as evidence of espionage. "There are deep familial and cultural ties across the India-Pakistan border. Many families, including Hindus and Muslims, remain connected despite the partition," he said, adding that a close examination of Khan's phone details will reveal that the phone contained numbers of his relatives in Pakistan, not of any ISI handlers. "Khan applied for and received visas through proper legal channels. There was no malicious intent, and his contact with the Pakistani visa officer, Danish Khan, was limited to formalities. This is not a crime," Mughal added.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
10,000 new body cameras to enhance police surveillance
KUALA LUMPUR: Police are looking to expand the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in a two-pronged initiative, beginning with the procurement of 10,000 more units. At present, 7,648 BWCs have already been deployed. The second step in the expansion plan is the purchase of 17,648 SIM cards for all the devices that will be in use to enable real-time monitoring of police operations. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said to expand the implementation of the BWC initiative, police had submitted a proposal under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to procure another 10,000 BWC units. "The SIM cards will also be integrated with the BWC devices, allowing for 'live-stream' monitoring of assignments in the field," he told the New Straits Times. Razarudin added that the move was in line with the force's commitment to increase transparency, integrity and public confidence in the effectiveness of policing in the digital era. He said the use of BWC had so far proven to be a highly effective in enhancing integrity and accountability of the force. "These devices continuously record all activities during assignments, thus enabling every action taken by police in the field to be monitored more transparently and objectively. "BWC recordings serve as crucial evidence in evaluating any complaints or allegations of misconduct. "In cases of procedural violations, the footage can be used as the basis for internal investigations, disciplinary actions or legal proceedings." Before the use of BWCs, Razarudin said, there were no live recordings to support or refute claims. Their presence had reduced opportunities for manipulation and improved public confidence in police professionalism, he added. He said BWCs encouraged self-regulation among policemen and compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP). "Overall, the implementation of BWCs is part of Bukit Aman's efforts to enhance transparency, reduce misconduct and strengthen public trust in the police. "The full BWC implementation is being carried out in phases based on officer deployment, logistical capacity and the alignment of supporting infrastructure, such as docking station systems and data storage." Razarudin said the initiative was in the strengthening phase, with full usage depending on logistical readiness and field training. He said BWCs were primarily used by patrol vehicle and motorcycle patrol units, traffic police and crime prevention patrols. "They are also used by personnel stationed at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman and other operational units that interact with the public." Razarudin said these units were selected based on operational needs and their level of exposure to high-risk situations to ensure the safety of personnel and the public. He said all video recordings were stored according to police SOP. "However, the SOP is classified under the Official Secrets Act and serve as an internal reference for the police. "Any request for a copy or the contents of the SOP is subject to procedures outlined under the Official Secrets Act and must be made through official application channels." Razarudin added that all BWC footage was stored for one month and would be reviewed if an issue or complaint were to arise. "Recordings deemed important for investigations or as evidence will be retained for a longer period, in line with established needs and guidelines. "The footage will also be reviewed if it is required as evidence in investigations, prosecutions or disciplinary proceedings." Previously, Razarudin had told the NST that policemen wearing BWCs must comply with the SOP and were not allowed to switch the devices off while on duty. The footage is stored via a docking station, which functions as a central data hub and automatically transfers all recordings captured during a policeman's shift. The station also charges the devices to ensure they are ready for the next deployment. Razarudin also said the procurement of additional devices would depend on funding approval and the force's strategic priorities. Last August, Razarudin had said all policemen on field assignments would be required to wear BWCs by year end.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Robert Vadra Skips Enforcement Directorate Summons Again
New Delhi: Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, has once again skipped the summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the ongoing money laundering probe linked to fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. According to sources, Mr Vadra is currently abroad to attend his daughter's graduation ceremony. He had earlier missed a summons issued on June 10 as well, citing flu-like symptoms. The agency had issued fresh summons for Tuesday, June 17, asking Mr Vadra to join the investigation in Delhi. The ED is probing alleged links between Mr Vadra and two London properties said to be acquired by Sanjay Bhandari - one at 12, Bryanston Square and another at Grosvenor Hill Court, 13 Bourdon Street. Officials claim the Bryanston Square property was renovated on Mr Vadra's directions and funded by him, and that he stayed there on multiple occasions. The properties, along with certain land parcels in India, are being investigated as alleged "proceeds of crime" under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency had filed the money laundering case in 2016. Another key figure in the case is NRI businessman CC Thampi, who was arrested in 2020. Authorities claim Mr Thampi played a significant role in facilitating property deals for Mr Vadra through a Dubai-based company. Sanjay Bhandari, a 61-year-old fugitive arms dealer, is under investigation by multiple agencies - ED, CBI, Income Tax Department, and Delhi Police - for violations ranging from foreign exchange laws to the Official Secrets Act. Indian authorities have sent two extradition requests for Mr Bhandari, both certified by then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel in 2020. Although he was arrested in the UK, his extradition was blocked earlier this year by the King's Bench Division of the UK High Court, citing potential risks of mistreatment in Indian prisons. Mr Vadra has denied any connection, directly or indirectly, and termed the charges a "political witch hunt". The businessman said he was being "hounded and harassed".
