Two Indian nationals were charged in court on 18 September for allegedly bribing an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer with sexual favours in return for assistance with their short-term visit pass applications.
The accused, 29-year-old Arya Monu and 21-year-old Bharat, each face one charge of corruption under Singapore law.
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in a press release that the offences took place on 24 December 2022 and 18 February 2023.
According to charge sheets, Arya and Bharat sought to extend their stays in Singapore and turned to ICA inspector Kannan Morice Rajagopal Jayaram for help.
CPIB stated that the sexual bribes were offered to induce the officer to facilitate their applications.
Authorities stressed that Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance stance on corruption, and those convicted face imprisonment of up to five years, fines of up to S$100,000, or both.
In court, Arya indicated his intention to plead guilty and told the judge he would not be hiring legal representation.
His plea mention is scheduled for 30 October.
Bharat, who appeared via videolink, responded “didn’t do wrong” when asked whether he would plead guilty. His case has been fixed for a pre-trial conference on 2 October.
ICA officer sentenced to 22 months’ jail for multiple corruption offences
The implicated officer, 55-year-old Kannan, was sentenced on 11 September to 22 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to three counts of corruptly obtaining sexual gratification. Three other charges were considered in sentencing.
Kannan’s case involved receiving sexual favours from six foreigners in exchange for assistance with short-term visit pass applications.
Court documents revealed that the encounters took place in 2022 and 2023, mainly with young men who had come to Singapore to study.
Officer’s role and misuse of authority
Kannan joined ICA in 1996 and rose through the ranks to become an inspector in June 2021.
He later served as a team leader in the Visit Pass Unit, supervising 10 to 11 officers.
His team processed applications for foreigners seeking to extend their stay and dealt with overstayers or cases involving lost travel documents.
While procedures allowed subordinate officers to decide on extensions with proper justification, they often consulted Kannan in complex cases. As team leader, he held final discretion on approvals.
Despite being aware of the impropriety, Kannan initiated contact with foreign applicants and arranged meetings that led to sexual encounters.
Court documents reveal encounters with foreign nationals
According to court papers, Kannan engaged in sexual acts with three Indian nationals aged between 25 and 30 who were studying in Singapore.
These incidents occurred at his residence.
One case involved a 25-year-old business management student who was required to complete a six-month internship as a waiter.
His work permit was pending approval, and in January 2023 he sought an extension of his short-term visit pass at ICA headquarters.
Specific case involving a student applicant
At the walk-in counter, the student was told he would need to purchase a return ticket to India as his pass could only be extended for a week. He later obtained Kannan’s contact through a friend.
Kannan reassured him over the phone that his stay could be managed and subsequently invited him for drinks at his home.
The student agreed, hoping for advice on his immigration status.
During the meeting, Kannan expressed attraction and requested sex.
The student consented, believing that cooperation might help secure his stay. The encounter was cut short, but the student continued to message Kannan politely to avoid jeopardising his application.
When his pass expired on 26 January 2023, Kannan advised him to report to ICA with his passport and work permit documents, warning him not to move about in public to avoid arrest for overstaying.
Although Kannan did not answer calls when the student visited ICA headquarters, another officer attended to the case, imposed a fine of S$50 for overstaying, and extended the visit pass.
Later, one of Kannan’s subordinates sought his advice on the matter, and Kannan instructed that a further two-week extension be approved, despite the man’s overstayer status.
Prosecution describes abuse as “appalling”
Deputy Public Prosecutors Bryan Wong and Benjamin Low described the case as “appalling”, noting that Kannan persistently exploited vulnerable foreigners.
They argued that he abused his managerial position, disclosed operationally sensitive information, and created a web of corruption centred on himself.
They emphasised that the foreigners feared returning home due to financial difficulties and were manipulated into complying with Kannan’s demands.
The prosecution sought a sentence of between 30 and 36 months’ jail.
Following his conviction, ICA confirmed that Kannan has been interdicted from service, with disciplinary proceedings underway.
CPIB reiterated in its statement that corruption will not be tolerated, and anyone found guilty of engaging in such practices will face firm consequences.
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