When you receive some classified information that you’re not supposed to divulge, two voices usually pop into your head, saying the following things:
Voice 1: Release the information to your friends and you’ll be seen as a cool political insider by your friends.
Voice 2: Don’t be stupid lah, just keep this information to yourself so you avoid a stint behind bars.Â
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Unfortunately, the first voice is often louder than the second, and once the information is leaked, the authorities will very likely trace it back to you.
Public Servant Arrested for Allegedly Leaking Info About COVID-19 Suspension of Children & Youth Activities
On 18 May, the police received a report about a leak of information concerning COVID-19 measures.
A message, which was circulating on WhatsApp, contained information regarding the suspension of sport, physical activity classes, and programmes for children and youth aged 18 and below from 19 May to 13 June.
The only problem was that this message was circulating before Sport Singapore even made the announcement on 18 May.
Investigations revealed that a public servant had allegedly shared the information on the messaging app on 16 May with members of a private chat group.
The 32-year-old man is an authorised recipient of the safe management measures for sport and physical activities, but the recipients of the message were not.
What the man probably didn’t anticipate, is that the message would be forwarded to other people, as that’s exactly what happened.
Really though, he should have seen it coming from a mile away—Singaporeans’ favourite thing to do on WhatsApp is spreading motivational “Good Morning” messages and foreboding warning messages.
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On 19 May, the man was arrested for wrongful communication of information under the Official Secrets Act.
The police warned that unauthorised recipients should not further circulate confidential information if they receive it, as they too may be charged for such offences.
If convicted of wrongful communication of information, the man faces a fine of up to S$2,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.
Investigations are still ongoing.
Other COVID-19 Leaks
For some reason, people just love leaking secret coronavirus-related information.
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On 14 April this year, a 36-year-old woman was charged under the OSA for leaking the daily COVID-19 case numbers to a WeChat group with 49 other members.
Between March and April 2020, she had done this 22 times.Â
She faces 24 charges under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
A couple had also been charged under the OSA over the leakage of a draft media statement regarding the COVID-19 situation by the government, as it contained confidential information.Â
The couple faces two charges each under the OSA.Â
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So, what have we learnt today?
Reader: When you disclose confidential information, only send it to those you can trust?
I don’t know why I keep trying with you, dear reader.
Feature Image: Rahul Ramachandram / Shutterstock.com
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