A Bangladeshi national was all ready to depart Singapore as he cuddled up and hid in a secret compartment under the rear speakers of a car. Little did he know that the vigilant officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) would foil his attempt of illegal exit from the Republic, even during the wee hours. In this case, the speakers, ahem, speak for the mandatory security checks at the land checkpoints.

2 On 23 February 2009 at about 0005 hrs, a grey Malaysian-registered car, driven by a lone male Malay, arrived at the Woodlands Checkpoint. The car was directed for more detailed checks as the driver appeared evasive when greeted by checkpoint officers.

3 Upon opening the car boot, officers tried to remove the speakers but they were secured tightly, which was unusual. This aroused the officers’ suspicions. They then removed the rear seat and when it was lowered, a man, a Bangladeshi national, was found hiding inside a secret compartment under the rear speakers of the conveyance.




The speakers which gave the game away



A foiled attempt

4 The 25-year-old Bangladeshi claimed that he approached another Bangladeshi agent known as 'Ali' to smuggle him out of Singapore. He was to pay 'Ali' a sum of S$1000/- for the arrangement upon successfully leaving Singapore.

5 At around 2300hrs of the day before the illegal escape, he met up with the driver at an unknown multi-storey carpark. He was told to hide inside the secret compartment of his car and remain motionless and silent.

6 The 32 year-old Malaysian driver admitted that he fell bait to an offer of RM600 by a syndicate. He would get his money as long as he could successfully transport the illegal immigrant out of Singapore.

7 ICA is investigating both subjects for immigration offences. The vehicle has also been detained.
 
8 ICA takes a serious view of attempts by foreigners to overstay, enter or depart Singapore illegally. Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), the penalties for overstaying or illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane, while the penalties for illegal departure is a fine of up to $2, 000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

9 Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The enhanced security checks at both entry and exit points are critical to our nation’s security. As Commissioner ICA, Mr Eric Tan says, “It is of paramount importance that ICA continues to adopt a zero tolerance approach towards any smuggling activity. However, our borders are not air tight. While ICA has successfully been detecting smuggling attempts, there is a possibility that inventive syndicates will incessantly find means and ways to infiltrate our borders.”


IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
23 FEBRUARY 2009