Updated: 09/23/2013 12:36 | By Channel NewsAsia
Regrettable that BBC allowed interviewee to make baseless allegations: SPF
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force said that it was regrettable that the BBC has allowed an interviewee to make baseless allegations about Singapore which went unchallenged.
In a report on Friday, the BBC World Service Radio had interviewed a Mr Declan Hill, who made false allegations concerning Singapore's commitment to fighting match-fixing, without asking for any basis or substantiation -- after Singapore had announced the arrest of 14 persons suspected to be involved in a match-fixing syndicate.
Mr Hill had alleged that the Singapore government had "tolerated" match-fixing activities on the island, and offered "protection" to ring-leader Dan Tan before finally arresting him.
Police said they reject these serious allegations, which have cast negative aspersions on the high-standing and integrity of the enforcement and judiciary system here.
Police said should the BBC or its interviewees have evidence that substantiate any of the allegations made against the Singapore authorities, or on match-fixing syndicates in Singapore, it should contact the Police immediately so that action can be taken.
Police said match-fixing is a transnational crime involving a complex network of organised syndicates across many borders and legal jurisdictions. It said the arrest of the 14 suspects recently was a culmination of concerted effort since 2011, to investigate allegations of Singaporeans involved in global match-fixing.
Police said it has invested significant resources into building up a case, backed by evidence across multiple jurisdictions. This has enabled the arrest of the 14 people, including the suspected mastermind, using Singapore laws as no other jurisdictions could have done likewise using their laws.
In this regard, Singapore authorities have worked closely with the INTERPOL Global Anti-Match-fixing Taskforce, including sharing information which was vital for the eventual operation against the syndicate.
Of the 14 persons arrested, five have been further detained, while the other nine were released on bail, pending further investigations.
Responding to news on the police statement, the BBC says it has received a complaint from the Singapore Police which it is investigating.
"We will respond directly to them once this investigation is complete," the BBC said. - CNA/ac/ec
