Casinos expected to lead to rise in corruption involving police officers
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Law and Second Home Affairs Minister K
Shanmugam expects an increase in corruption cases when two casinos open
here in 2010.
Authorities are concerned the country's inexperience may make it an
easy target for organised crime. But the minister said there are
systems in place to deal with such incidents.
Mr Shanmugam said: "Police officers wield power. And when there is
power, obviously there will be people who will want to tempt them. You
will get incidents here and there and they get charged in court, that's
human nature.
"But as a system, as a police force, they're very highly regarded and I
believe systems are in place to ensure they'll continue to be so."
Casinos are at risk of criminal activities, such as money laundering,
cheating and forgery. So to fight such cases, authorities are setting
up a Casino Investigation Branch within the police force.
They have also been studying how these issues are tackled in other countries.
Mr Shanmugam is confident of the government's ability to handle
such matters should they arise. He said the laws will be tough, and
they will be enforced strictly.
On a broader note, the minister said this uncompromising attitude
towards corruption has helped cement the country's clean reputation.
Giving examples of former ministers who have been investigated for
graft, he makes the point that in Singapore, no one is above the law.
- CNA/vm