Magnets on MFMs: Trial starts for former bunker clerk of “Consort Justice”

EDITOR [25 September]: The “Consort Justice” was chartered by Singapore bunker supplier Inter-Pacific Petroleum at the time of arrest; the vessel has since been renamed as “Fragrance”.

The names of the accused have not been mentioned in this article at the request of officials due to protection of their safety.

The first hearing for the former bunker clerk of a Singapore-registered bunker tanker (IMO 9199701) earlier known as Consort Justice over the alleged tampering of a mass flowmeter (MFM) took place at the State Courts of Singapore on Monday (23 September).

The suspect faced one charge under Section 7(1)(a) read with Section 10(1) of the Computer Misuse Act, Chapter 50A; similar to the ex-assistant boson of the same vessel who was found guilty for the crime in late August.

The ex-assistant boson, who was the first personnel charged at a Singapore court over the tampering of a bunkering MFM, was present to testify as a witness.

Cross examination of the ex-assistant boson continued on Tuesday (25 September) morning.

A timeline organised list of events preceding the current development have been recorded by Manifold Times below:

Related: First suspect charged over MFM tampering in landmark case
Related: With nearly $180 million of debt, IPP proposes interim juridical management
Related: Inter-Pacific Group, Inter-Pacific Petroleum under judicial management
Related: Magnets on MFMs: “Consort Justice” crew pleads ‘not guilty’ to tampering charge
Related: IPP responds to temporary suspension of bunker craft operator licence
Related: MPA temporarily suspends IPP bunker craft operator licence
Related: Singapore: Bunker Cargo officer, crew face charges over alleged MFM tampering

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 24 September, 2019