The ex-agent tried to bribe an executive to get VIP access to a property launch in 2007.
For bribing a development firm’s executive to get VIP access to a property launch, a former real estate agent was fined $100,000 and sentenced to imprisonment for 12 weeks on Tuesday (31 May), reported The Straits Times.
40-year-old Goh Chan Chong was found guilty on two corruption charges, after he gave cash gifts on two occasions to United Engineers Developments’ Senior Manager, Suhaimi Amin. The purpose of the cash gifts was to show his appreciation for obtaining VIP invitations for the launch of The Rochester in North Buona Vista in 2007.
Suhaimi also added the property agent and his associates to the company’s list of VVIP guests for the event.
Thereafter, Goh and his nine associates, including his wife, mother, brothers and mother-in-law, acquired options to purchase 10 units in July 2007. Subsequently, they purchased eight units, of which six were resold at higher prices, giving them significant profits of $1.1 million to $1.69 million.
A few weeks later, Suhaimi received $50,000 from Goh when they met at roti prata shop in Casuarina Road, and he eventually received another payment of $50,000 at the same place. But in 2008, he decided to return the money to the property agent, who allegedly signed a receipt.
After admitting to one of two charges of corruption for receiving $50,000 from Goh, 53-year-old Suhaimi was fined $60,000 in December 2014.
Meanwhile, the property agent denied giving bribes to the executive and signing a receipt when the $100,000 was returned. However, the prosecution countered that it would be illogical for Suhaimi to make a false allegation that would implicate himself.
Goh’s current lawyer, Raymond Lye, said the father of four had tried hard to get VIP access on his own, and there was no harm caused to the developer.
However, District Judge Luke Tan still imposed a fine of $100,000 and sentenced him to 12 weeks in jail.
The now jobless Goh is appealing the ruling. Although he is out on a $45,000 bail, he still faces a third outstanding charge.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
