Business

BP Singapore bunker trial: Judge finds suspects guilty of corruption, sentencing in September

Executive Director of Pacific Prime Trading and Ex-Regional Marine Manager of BP Singapore are expected to face sentencing in September at the State Courts of Singapore.

Published

5 years ago

July 16, 2020

Admin

Manifold Times was present at the BP Singapore bunker trial on Thursday (16 July). The following report represents a summarised extract of the afternoon’s hearing:

The BP Singapore bunker trial continued on Thursday (16 July) afternoon at the State Courts of Singapore where District Judge Ong Chin Rhu presented an oral judgement of the case.

The latest hearing saw Judge Ong finding the Executive Director of Pacific Prime Trading (PPT), Koh Seng Lee, and former Regional Marine Manager of BP Singapore, Clarence Chang to be each guilty of 20 charges under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Cap 241., otherwise known as the Prevention of Corruption Act which is the primary anti-corruption law in Singapore*.

Nineteen charges were related to the transfer of monies from Koh to Chang from about 31 July 2006 to 26 July 2010 to advance the business interest of PPT with BP Singapore Pte Ltd.

The 20th charge related to payments for Mindchamps Preschool @ City Square Pte Ltd from Koh to Chang sometime before September 2009 as an inducement to advance the business interest of PPT with BP.

Judge Ong, in her oral judgement, noted Koh transferred sums of money totalling USD 3.95 million from his personal HSBC account to Chang’s personal bank account, while Chang transferred a portion of the monies to various bank accounts in Singapore which were solely owned by himself or jointly owned with his wife.

“A central issue at trial was the purpose of these payments and whether they were tainted,” she stated.

“The prosecution case is these payments to Mr Koh and Mr Chang was for continuing PPT’s business interest with BP. The defence states these transfers were not corrupt and they were for investments for properties, the Mindchamps business and other businesses.”

She observed Chang and Koh being called by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) to explain the purpose of payments, where it was found Chang suggested to Koh to set up PPT to be a trading counterparty of BP.

There was also an understanding Chang will help PPT; Chang regarded himself as a partner in PPT and the money transfers from Koh to Chang were described by Chang as his share of profit as a partner of PPT, she said, amongst other observations.

“I have carefully studied and considered the submissions [...] I found the CPIB have accurately captured the statements which Mr Koh and Mr Chang conveyed to the recording officer. I found these statements reveal the true purpose of the transfers (sic),” said the Judge.

“I found their account [explanations] for the joint accounts and transfers as an afterthought. They did not reveal these details to CPIB [...] it was rather telling Mr Koh and Mr Chang’s statements contained various glaring contradictions and inconsistencies of the joint investment. Especially [for] the properties in the joint investment project.”

She declares: “After consideration, I am satisfied they [the prosecution] have proceeded charges beyond reasonable doubt. I find them [Koh and Chang] guilty and convicted of the same.”

The bails of Koh and Chang have been extended; they are expected to face sentencing in September, 2020.

*A person convicted of an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both, for each count of corruption, according to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) website.

Under Section 13 of the PCA, when a corrupt offender is convicted, the Court shall also order him to pay a penalty equivalent to the amount of bribes he received.

Editorial coverage by Manifold Times regarding earlier court sessions of the BP Singapore bunker bribery trial are organised in descending chronological order (latest to earliest) below:

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 16 July, 2020

Business

Singapore: Ang Wee Keong from IMDA appointed as new MPA Chief Executive

Ang will relinquish his IMDA appointment as Assistant Chief Executive (International) of the Info-Communications and will officially take over from Teo Eng Dih from 16 June.

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Admin

Singapore: Ang Wee Keong from IMDA appointed as new MPA Chief Executive

Singapore’s Ministry of Transport on Tuesday (29 April) said Mr Ang Wee Keong, currently the Assistant Chief Executive (International) of the Info-Communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), will concurrently be appointed as Chief Executive (Designate) of the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) from 1 May to 15 June 2025.

He will relinquish his IMDA appointment and be appointed Chief Executive of MPA from 16 June 2025. He will succeed Mr Teo Eng Dih, who will be appointed Deputy Secretary (Special Duties) at the Ministry of Transport with effect from 16 June.

Mr Teo will remain as a member of the MPA Board until he steps down as CE MPA. Mr Ang will be appointed as a board member with effect from 16 June 2025.

“The Ministry of Transport thanks Mr Teo Eng Dih for his leadership and contributions as Chief Executive of MPA, and welcomes Mr Ang Wee Keong,” the ministry added.

Mr Teo Eng Dih (张英智)

As the Chief Executive of the MPA, Mr Teo made significant contributions to grow Singapore’s International Maritime Centre and the PIER71TM startup ecosystem. During his tenure, the Port of Singapore attained new records in vessel arrivals, container throughput, bunker sales and registrations under the Singapore Registry of Ships. MPA was also recognised as one of the key global regulators by Lloyd’s List. These milestones were reached amidst a complex global operating environment marked by geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions and technological shifts affecting the flow of goods and supplies worldwide.

Mr Ang Wee Keong (洪伟强)

As the Assistant Chief Executive (International) of IMDA, Mr Ang made significant contributions in advancing Singapore’s digital interests and thought leadership in the international arena. He strengthened Singapore’s network of digital economy partnerships, and expanded collaboration through platforms like the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting, Forum of Small States and Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG). He also oversaw the formulation of forward-thinking policies and regulations in digital technology and services to advance the growth of Singapore’s digital economy, including the upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act to enhance the resilience and security of systemically important digital infrastructure.

Photo credit: Singapore Polytechnic
Published: 30 April, 2025

Technology

TFG Marine to launch of ZeroNorth e-BDNs at Port of Sohar after Singapore success

Kenneth Dam announced the successful trial and imminent roll-out of ZeroNorth’s electronic bunker delivery note solution for its customers in the Port of Sohar, in Oman.

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Admin

TFG Marine to launch ZeroNorth e-BDNs at Port of Sohar after success in Singapore

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Tuesday (29 April) announced the company’s successful trial and imminent roll-out of ZeroNorth’s electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) solution for its customers in the Port of Sohar, in Oman.

A first for the Middle East region following the successful deployment of the same technology earlier this year by TFG Marine at the Port of Singapore. The eBDN trial in Oman was completed in collaboration with ZeroNorth and SGTraDex, using the Singapore standards as a benchmark.

Kenneth Dam, Global Head of Bunkering, said: "We’re excited to partner with ZeroNorth, Fratelli Cosulich Group Bunkers, SGTraDex and SOHAR Port and Freezone to shortly introduce e-BDNs to our customers here in Oman.”

“This technology, that we have already successfully introduced in Singapore is yet another step in modernising our industry. It will streamline the bunker delivery process, cut administrative burdens, enhance digital documentation and help build a smarter, more connected bunkering sector.”

“We remain committed to establishing e-BDNs as a global standard for bunker fuel delivery and will continue to work closely with port authorities to advocate for and deploy this technology across our operations.”

Dam made the announcement at the Oman Maritime, Ports and Energy Forum, during the panel discussion on The Transformative Power of Data: The Evolving Role of Digitalisation in Shipping and Bunkering.

Dam added the fully digital solution — accessible through TFG Marine’s mobile app and integrated with SGTraDex’s digital infrastructure, — will enable the inclusion of additional data, such as mass flow meter readings during fuel deliveries.

“By integrating this technology, we will drive significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and sustainability across our operations, complementing the global mass flow meter rollout across our fleet and reinforcing TFG Marine’s position at the forefront of the modern bunkering industry,” he said.

Manifold Times previously reported TFG Marine announcing the introduction of ZeroNorth’s e-BDNs for its customers in Singapore during 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON) by the end of 2024.

In November last year, TFG Marine announced its first digitalised marine fuel delivery in Singapore using electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDNs).

Its team supplied VLSFO bunker fuel to Pacific Basin Shipping Limited’s Illovo River bulk carrier, marking the first of four bunkering deliveries that month where this new technology was successfully deployed.

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 30 April, 2025

Biofuel

Hercules Tanker Management vessel “Mount Kibo” takes on B30 bio bunker fuel

HTM said its tanker was successfully supplied with B30 bunkers by tanker “Hercules Sky”, another HTM-owned vessel and operated by Peninsula, marking the first biofuel supply to the HTM fleet.

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Admin

Hercules Tanker Management vessel “Mount Kibo” takes on B30 bio bunker fuel

Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) on Tuesday (29 April) announced that its tanker Mount Kibo has been successfully supplied with B30 bunkers by tanker Hercules Sky, another HTM-owned vessel which is operated by Peninsula.

The operation marked the first biofuel supply to the HTM fleet.

HTM is the shipping venture launched last September by John A. Bassadone, founder and CEO of independent marine fuel supplier Peninsula.

HTM said the operation carried out in the Strait of Gibraltar aligns with the recent discussions at MEPC 83, where key decisions were made to advance maritime decarbonisation, including new fuel standards and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.

“Additionally, this initiative supports the objectives of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which promotes the use of renewable, low-carbon fuels and clean energy technologies for ships,” it said.

“By utilising biofuels, we are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the industry's transition towards cleaner energy solutions.”

Photo credit: Hercules Tanker Management
Published: 30 April, 2025