Singapore has been rocked by a shocking case involving Kannan Morice Rajagopal Jayaram, a 55-year-old Indian-origin officer with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Jayaram, an inspector at the ICA, has pleaded guilty to accepting sexual favors from six Indian nationals in exchange for assisting them with their applications for short-term visit passes to extend their stay in the city-state. The offences occurred between 2022 and 2023.
Jayaram, who oversaw a team responsible for processing visa extension requests, exploited his position by targeting vulnerable applicants. According to court documents, while officers followed ICA guidelines, they had the discretion to grant or deny extensions based on individual circumstances. Jayaram allegedly took advantage of this discretion, preying on individuals who were desperate to remain in Singapore.
One instance involved a 26-year-old Indian man who sought to extend his stay for studies. Jayaram ensured the man's visa extension in exchange for sexual favors. He is alleged to have committed similar acts with five other Indian nationals. The ages of three other men involved were between 25 and 30 years old.
The Straits Times reported that Jayaram pleaded guilty on Monday to three corruption charges, each involving an Indian national. Another three similar charges involving three other men will be considered during his sentencing. He was charged in 2023 and has been suspended from duty since April of that year, according to the ICA.
Court documents revealed the extent of Jayaram's exploitation. In one case, Jayaram persisted in demanding sexual acts from one of the victims, who eventually complied out of gratitude for Jayaram's help and fear that he would cancel the pass if refused. The two men then went to Jayaram's bedroom, where the older man performed sexual acts.
The case has raised serious concerns about the abuse of power and corruption within the ICA. It has also highlighted the vulnerability of foreigners seeking to extend their stay in Singapore.
ICA has released a statement saying that Kannan has been suspended from service since April 2023. His mitigation and sentencing are expected to take place on August 18.
