A Singapore prison officer faces corruption charges after allegedly accepting S$3,700 in bribes to smuggle prohibited items into Changi Prison.
Mohammad Asri Abd Rahim, 39, appeared in court on 25 Jul 2025, facing five charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) alleges Asri accepted bribes on seven occasions between August 2021 and June 2022. The money came from inmate Mohamad Yusof Kasimas, 50, who wanted prohibited items smuggled into Changi Prison.
Inmates Face Related Charges for Prison Bribery Scheme
Yusof faces five charges for allegedly bribing the prison officer. Two other inmates helped facilitate the corrupt payments to Asri.
Wilson Ang, 37, and Murali Vigneshwaran, 36, each face one charge for abetting Yusof in giving bribes to the prison officer. They allegedly aided Yusof in passing the money to Asri on several occasions.
The prohibited items included nude photographs, prescription drugs, and magazines. All four men indicated they would plead guilty to the charges.
Singapore Prison Service Takes Disciplinary Action
The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) was alerted on 10 Oct 2022 that Asri had smuggled nude photographs into prison for an inmate in exchange for money. SPS immediately launched internal investigations.
The investigations revealed Asri had received money from an inmate for smuggling nude photographs into prison. SPS referred the case to CPIB and provided full assistance during the investigation.
Asri has been interdicted on half pay pending the outcome of the case. SPS expects officers to uphold the law and maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity.
In court on 25 Jul 2025, Asri said he will not engage a lawyer and will plead guilty on 5 Sep 2025. Yusof and Murali, who are still serving sentences, will also plead guilty on the same day.
Ang, who is out on bail, was represented by a lawyer. His case was adjourned for further mention on 22 Aug 2025.
Any person convicted of accepting or giving bribes under the Prevention of Corruption Act can be fined up to S$100,000, jailed for up to five years, or both. The penalties are the same for those who abet the giving of bribes.
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
