A 28-year-old Australian national, El Sayed Aladdin (“Aladdin”), was convicted and sentenced to eight months and two weeks’ imprisonment, and a fine of $6,500, in default 20 days’ imprisonment, on 21 February 2025 after pleading guilty to offences under the Passports Act 2007 and the Protection from Harassment Act 2014.

2.         On 14 December 2024, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Changi Airport stopped Aladdin and conducted checks on his baggage. They found several prohibited items, including knuckle dusters and flick knives during the checks. Aladdin was informed that the matter would be referred to the Police for further investigation. Thereafter, he became verbally abusive and made derogatory and insulting remarks against the ICA officers.  

3.          Aladdin’s passport was impounded by the Police to prevent him from leaving Singapore while he was being investigated.

4.          On 28 December 2024, Aladdin attempted to depart Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint using a passport belonging to another person and was arrested by ICA officers. He was charged on 30 December 2024 for an offence under Section 47(3) of the Passports Act 2007.

5.          The offence of using a foreign travel document not issued to the individual under Section 47(3) of the Passports Act 2007 carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

6.           The offence of using insulting language against a public servant under Section 6(3) of the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 carries an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

7.          The authorities take a serious view of persons who obstruct public servants from carrying out their duties. We will also not tolerate any form of abusive behaviour towards our officers and will take stern action against the offenders. Our officers deployed at the checkpoints are carrying out their duties to safeguard Singapore’s borders. Travellers are reminded to cooperate and comply with their instructions

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
21 FEBRUARY 2025