Former MY telco CMO detained by MACC amidst bribery investigation

A former telco CMO and a company director have been remanded for five days beginning 17 November to aid with investigations concerning a corruption case. According to Bernama, the case involves an SMS fraud syndicate and both men involved were alleged to have given and taken bribes to procure the personal information of prepaid plan customers.

The phone numbers obtained were then allegedly used by the SMS fraud syndicate to incur subscription charges through SMS without the knowledge and consent of users, Bernama added quoting its source. The case is being investigated under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, which states that it is an offence for individuals who "corruptly solicits or receives or gives any gratification for himself or for any other person as an inducement doing or forbearing to do anything in respect of any matter".

Both men were detained at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) headquarters last night after providing their statements. MACC submitted the remand order on 17 November.

Separately in Singapore, director of Emersion IT Services Ngiam Chee Chong was jailed for 12 weeks on 29 October after pleading guilty to seven corruption-related charges. According to The Straits Times, Ngiam paid over SG$30,000 in bribes to secure business contracts concerning projects with government agencies.

Between 2016 and 2018, he forked out SG$37,400 in bribes to Teo Joo Tye, who was then working as a senior technical services manager for IT firm NCS. Ngiam also later agreed to pay Teo SG$9,300 in bribes for six other projects but did not end up handing out those bribes. According to ST, Ngiam also agreed to give bribes to Loh Kum Ming who was then a sales specialist at Singtel in 2017.

Enjoyed what you have read? Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates in Southeast Asia's marketing and advertising space!

Photo courtesy: 123RF