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Ex-enforcement officer charged with asking for bribes from alleged vape importer about HSA raids
On Sept 5, Singaporean Michael Anthony Pillay was charged with trying to obtain the bribes from Chua Wee Ming – an alleged key member of a syndicate dealing in e-vaporisers.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Published Sep 05, 2025, 11:27 AM
Updated Sep 05, 2025, 08:43 PM
SINGAPORE – A chief enforcement supervisor of a company carrying out enforcement duties for the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) allegedly tried to get bribes totalling $8,000 to tip a man off about vape raids.
On Sept 5, Singaporean Michael Anthony Pillay, 34, who is no longer working at WSH Experts, was charged with trying to obtain the bribes from Chua Wee Ming – an alleged key member of a syndicate dealing in e-vaporisers.
Chua, a Malaysian, was
charged in October 2024
with cheating and performing an act that could obstruct the course of justice, and his case purportedly involved vaping-related products worth more than $6 million.
Pillay allegedly committed his offence in exchange for providing Chua, also 34, with exclusive information about HSA raids involving vape products.
In a statement, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau said Pillay allegedly committed the offence on multiple occasions in 2024.
His case will be mentioned again on Oct 3.
The Singapore Police Force and HSA said in an earlier joint statement that Chua was arrested following an islandwide operation on Oct 10, 2024.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that he allegedly orchestrated the importation and distribution of e-vaporisers from Malaysia into Singapore and has been supplying to the local residents,” the statement added.
Among other things, on March 19, 2024, he allegedly had in his possession multiple vaping-related products that were for sale.
Later that month, he allegedly engaged in a conspiracy with three men to commit housebreaking at a warehouse and steal vaping-related items seized by HSA.
The trio were Malaysian Chee Wai Yuen and Singaporeans Elvin Suriaganandhan and Lim Zhi Wei.
On Aug 25, Elvin, 23,
was sentenced to six weeks and 10 days’ jail
, while on July 8, Lim, 40,
was sentenced to two years, one month and six weeks’ jail and a fine of $2,400
.
On July 7, Chee, 36,
was sentenced to one year, one month and six weeks’ jail
.
Chua’s case is pending.
The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch by calling 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at
www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
As at Sept 1, first-time etomidate abusers below 18 years old will be fined $500
, while adults will be fined $700. This is a $200 increase for each group. They must also attend mandatory rehabilitation for up to six months.
Sellers of Kpods face higher penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Those who import Kpods face between three and 20 years’ jail, and between five and 15 strokes of the cane.
Those convicted of selling or distributing Kpods face between two and 10 years’ jail, and between two and five strokes of the cane.
Those using Kpods can seek help through a national programme called QuitVape. More information on vaping can be found at
gov.sg/stopvaping
, a microsite launched in August to consolidate resources, helplines and reporting avenues.
The authorities have said that those who voluntarily seek support to quit vaping will not face any penalties for doing so.
