Shell MGO bunker heist: High Court affirms ‘Prime South’ forfeiture to Singapore State
- Published
by Admin
The Singapore Police Force on Tuesday (18 May) issued a statement regarding the forfeiture of Prime South:
The chemical oil tanker M/T Prime South (Prime South) was seized by the Police in 2018 on suspicion of having received stolen marine gas oil from the Shell Refinery located at Pulau Bukom (“Shell Pulau Bukom”).
Investigations revealed that between 2017 and 2018, Prime South had received stolen marine gas oil estimated to be worth around USD 7.1 million from Shell Pulau Bukom. At the point of seizure, Prime South was valued at USD 10.7 million.
The State Courts ordered the forfeiture of Prime South on 9 October 2020, citing Prime Shipping Corporation’s complicity in the offences, Prime South being extensively used in the commission of the offences, and the need to deter similar offences. The High Court affirmed this decision on 4 February 2021, noting that there was strong justification for the forfeiture.
The Captain and Chief Officer of Prime South have been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 70 months and 30 months respectively for their involvement in the offences of conspiring with others to dishonestly receive stolen marine gas oil. Court proceedings against other allegedly involved parties, including former employees of Shell Pulau Bukom, are ongoing.
The Police will continue to clamp down on crime syndicates operating in Singapore and will spare no effort in depriving such persons of the instruments or benefits of their crimes. Those found engaging in any syndicated criminal activities will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.
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Photo credit: Singapore Police Force
Published: 20 May, 2021
