Ex-Enforcement Officer Charged with Seeking Bribes from Alleged Vape Syndicate Member in Singapore

SINGAPORE: A former enforcement supervisor has been charged with soliciting bribes in exchange for confidential information about raids on illegal vaping activities.

On September 5, 34-year-old Singaporean Michael Anthony Pillay, previously employed by WSH Experts, a company engaged by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for enforcement duties, was charged in court. He allegedly sought bribes totalling S$8,000 (US$6,214) from Chua Wee Ming, a 34-year-old Malaysian accused of masterminding a major e-vaporizer syndicate.

According to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), Pillay allegedly attempted to obtain the money on multiple occasions in 2024 in exchange for tipping Chua off about upcoming raids on vaping products. His case will return to court on October 3.

Chua, who was arrested during an islandwide operation in October 2024, is facing several charges, including cheating and obstructing the course of justice. Authorities alleged that he orchestrated the importation and distribution of e-vaporizers worth more than S$6 million, smuggling them from Malaysia into Singapore for sale to local residents.

He also allegedly conspired with three others, Malaysian Chee Wai Yuen and Singaporeans Elvin Suriaganandhan and Lim Zhi Wei, to break into a warehouse and steal vaping products seized by the HSA.

The three accomplices have already been sentenced: Chee, 36, received one year, one month, and six weeks’ jail (July 7, 2025).

Lim, 40, was sentenced to two years, one month, and six weeks in jail plus a S$2,400 fine (July 8, 2025).

Elvin, 23, was sentenced to six weeks and 10 days in jail (August 25, 2025).

Chua’s case remains before the courts.

Meanwhile, Singapore has tightened laws against vaping-related offenses. From September 1, first-time offenders under 18 caught abusing etomidate face a S$500 fine, while adults face S$700—a S$200 increase for both groups. All offenders must also undergo up to six months of mandatory rehabilitation.

Penalties for Kpod sellers and distributors have also been raised under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Importers face three to 20 years’ jail and five to 15 strokes of the cane, while those convicted of selling or distributing face two to 10 years’ jail and two to five strokes of the cane.

Authorities stressed that individuals who voluntarily seek help to quit vaping will not face penalties.