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