SINGAPORE: A businessman charged with receiving
S$1.4 million in stolen electronic goods alleged in court on Monday
that he was tortured by the police for four
hours.
Ong Su Ping, 33, claimed he was forced to drink
urine and had a toilet brush placed in his mouth. He also alleged
that used underwear was placed on his head and he was assaulted on
his private parts.
In response to media queries about the allegations,
a police spokesperson said it takes "a serious view" of all
complaints made by accused persons against officers and will
investigate all such complaints thoroughly.
The spokesperson added: "The allegations made by Ong Su Ping are
currently being investigated by the Internal Affairs Office, a
department formed in August 2011 to conduct independent
investigations into complaints and offences involving SPF's
officers. If criminal offences are disclosed, the Police would not
hesitate to bring criminal charges against the errant
officer.
On a related note, the Police warns that if the allegations are
found to be false, appropriate actions in accordance with our laws
will be taken against any persons who furnish false information to
the Police, which is an offence under Sec 182 of the Penal Code Cap
224."
The offence is punishable with a maximum jail term of one year, or
with a fine of up to S$5,000, or both. "As the case involving the
accused (Ong) is currently before the Courts, it is inappropriate
to comment further at this juncture," the police spokesperson
said.
Ong and Lee Peng Chou, a freelance courier, are said to have been
given the stash, including 1,930 Apple iPads and 1,464 iPhones,
which had been stolen from the Dnata cargo terminal in Changi
Airfreight Centre.
They were arrested by airport police on October 2. More than 2,000
pieces of the stolen devices are believed to have already been
shipped out of the country.
The two men face one count each of dishonestly receiving stolen
property, and another of assisting in the disposal of the stolen
items.
They will be back in court on October 17.
-- TODAY
