SINGAPORE, July 25 — A prison officer accused of smuggling nude photos and prescription drugs into Changi Prison in exchange for bribes was charged in court today.

Mohammad Asri Abd Rahim, 39, faces five charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly receiving S$3,700 (RM12,200) in bribes from an inmate, according to a report published in The Straits Times today. 

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said the bribes were meant to induce Asri to smuggle prohibited items, including magazines, into Changi Prison.

The offences allegedly took place on seven occasions between August 2021 and June 2022, involving inmate Mohamad Yusof Kasimas, 50.

Two other inmates, Wilson Ang, 37, and Murali Vigneshwaran, 36, are accused of helping Yusof pass the bribes to Asri.

Asri has been interdicted on half pay pending the outcome of the case, according to the SPS.

He told the court he will not be engaging a lawyer and intends to plead guilty on September 5.

Yusof and Murali, who remain incarcerated, also said they will plead guilty on the same date.

Ang, who is out on bail, was represented by a lawyer, and his case was adjourned to August 22.

The SPS said it began investigations on October 10, 2022, after receiving information that Asri had smuggled nude photographs in return for money.

Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, offenders may be jailed for up to five years, fined as much as S$100,000, or both.