Private investigators allegedly trailed police officer without approval in first known case of its kind
A 57-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman will be charged for allegedly providing private investigation services without approval.
The police said they received a report on Jan 10, 2022, about the unauthorised surveillance of a police officer.
Investigations revealed that the two accused were partners of a licensed private investigation agency (PIA) that had accepted a security surveillance assignment from a male client.
The target was a police officer who had been investigating a case involving the client's family member.
As the officer was based at the Police Cantonment Complex - a protected place under the Infrastructure Protection Act 2017 - prior approval from the Police Regulatory Department was required under the Private Security Industry Act.
However, the pair allegedly carried out the assignment without obtaining the necessary approval.
According to the police, this is the first known case of a PIA being engaged to conduct surveillance on a police officer involved in an active investigation.
Four private investigators were reportedly assigned to trail the officer at his residence and workplace.
The police officer made a report on Jan 10, 2022, after noticing he was being followed the day before. With the help of police and CCTV footage, officers from Clementi Police Division identified the suspects and the investigators involved.
During investigations, the 32-year-old woman allegedly deleted WhatsApp messages with the client after seeking approval from the 57-year-old man to do so - an act believed to be an attempt to destroy evidence.
Both individuals will be charged in court on Oct 30, 2025, for carrying out a security assignment without prior approval under the Private Security Industry Act. The offence carries a fine of up to $50,000, jail of up to two years, or both.
The woman will also face a charge for obstructing the course of justice, while the man will be charged with abetting her in the act. The offence carries a jail term of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Police investigations against the male client are ongoing.
