SINGAPORE (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – Two former Shell employees in Singapore were convicted in the High Court on July 2 for their roles in a conspiracy to misappropriate gas oil from the oil giant’s Pulau Bukom facility.
Muzaffar Ali Khan Muhamad Akram, 42, and Koh Choon Wei, 40, admitted to multiple offences, including criminal breach of trust and corruption.
Muzaffar, who helped misappropriate gas oil worth nearly SGD120 million, profited by at least SGD1.3 million. Koh, involved in the misappropriation of gas oil valued over SGD101 million, gained at least SGD1 million. Both are scheduled for sentencing on July 25.
The two Singaporeans, who were shore loading officers with monthly salaries of around SGD6,000, are part of a larger group implicated in the oil heist that spanned from 2007 to 2018.
Muzaffar faced 31 charges, including 20 for abetting criminal breach of trust, five for using criminal benefits, and six related to corruption. Koh faced 21 charges, including 14 for abetting criminal breach of trust and seven for using criminal benefits.
The conspiracy originated with former Shell employees Juandi Pungot and Abdul Latif Ibrahim in 2007. Juandi received a 29-year prison sentence in March 2022, while Latif’s case is pending. Muzaffar joined the scheme between late 2007 and early 2008, with Koh joining in September 2015.
The team, led by Juandi, Koh, and Muzaffar, orchestrated the illegal loading of gas oil onto vessels in collaboration with ship captains. From 2014, they bribed Shell-appointed surveyors to overlook excess gas oil during inspections. The group coordinated their activities through group chats, deleted messages, distracted their supervisor, and tampered with CCTV cameras to avoid detection.
The misappropriated gas oil was sold to both local and foreign vessels. A Shell representative reported unidentified fuel losses to the police in August 2017, leading to the arrests of Muzaffar and Koh in January 2018.
Muzaffar used his illicit gains to open a halal Japanese restaurant, purchase an investment property in Australia, and buy a Volkswagen car. Koh invested his criminal proceeds in various ventures, including a condominium down payment and a barbershop business.
The prosecution has requested 27 years and 10 months of jail time for Muzaffar and 23 years and 10 months for Koh. Deputy Public Prosecutor Christopher Ong highlighted their leadership roles and profit-driven motives within the criminal syndicate. Ong noted that Muzaffar was more culpable due to his earlier involvement and role in recruiting and training other conspirators.
Muzaffar’s lawyer, Gino Hardial Singh, argued against the prosecution’s claim of a transnational element, stating the criminal enterprise was confined to Singapore. He sought a reduced sentence of 24 years and four months, emphasising Muzaffar’s comparatively lower criminal proceeds and his family responsibilities.
Koh’s defence lawyer, Kalidass Murugaiyan, sought 16 years and 10 months, arguing that Koh took instructions from Juandi and Muzaffar and lacked recruiting power. Kalidass also noted Koh’s cooperation with authorities and voluntary surrender of his criminal proceeds.
Cai Zhi Zhong and Tiah Kok Hwee, also involved in the scheme, received prison sentences of 16 years and three months, and 16 years and four months, respectively.
The court will determine the final sentences for Muzaffar and Koh on July 25.
