Two interior construction companies have been fined nearly $10 million in total, following a four-year-long investigation by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS).
The companies had colluded over five years to rig 12 tender bids worth more than $34 million.
CCCS said on Dec 20 that Flex Connect, previously known as Facility Link, was fined $4,885,263, while Tarkus Interiors was fined $5,113,918. This is the largest penalty the competition watchdog has issued for bid-rigging.
The rigged bids were for interior construction and finishing works in non-residential properties, including offices, retail spaces, and food and beverage outlets.
Tenders were called from August 2016 to August 2021, and valued between $187,000 and $7.7 million.
The tenders had a total value of around $34,110,000.
Premises affected by the bid-rigging include Ocean Financial Centre's Pure Fitness gym and Citibank's outlet at Changi Business Park.
They also include accounting firm Ernst & Young's office at 77 Robinson Road, restaurant chain Hans Im Gluck's outlets in Boat Quay and VivoCity, and computer software company Oracle's hub at Mapletree Business City.
The two companies are among a pool of 44 firms able to undertake high-value contracts, said CCCS.
Under the Building and Construction Authority's registration system, these firms are the only ones allowed to tender for government projects that have an unlimited tender value for interior decoration and finishing works.
No government projects were affected, said CCCS assistant director of legal and enforcement Ng Yee Ting at a media briefing on Dec 20.
This story is from the December 21, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 21, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Social acceptance of casual gambling behind lotteries' popularity
Social acceptance of casual gambling and the wide variety of betting options available contribute to the popularity of lotteries and Singapore Pools' growing turnover.
Toyota Camry is the clear champion
This is the second time in the 22-year history of the award that Toyota has won
Tiny Brazil bar gets 24K Magic moment with Bruno Mars visit
A small bar in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte named Lacador has got its uptown funk on, following a surprise visit by American pop hit-maker Bruno Mars.
Jail for blackmailers who extorted from late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun
A bar hostess and a former actress who extorted a total of 350 million won (S$328,000) from late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun were sentenced to prison on Dec 19, local media reported.
Naomi Neo, Jianhao Tan still Singapore's top influencers
Singaporean content creators Naomi Neo and Jianhao Tan have emerged again as the country's top influencers, according to figures released by media intelligence and data analytics firm Meltwater in a new report on Dec 19.
Jeered Olympic breakdancer Raygun says row over musical resolved
Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael \"Raygun\" Gunn says her legal dispute with the maker of a parody musical about her has been resolved, with a new version planned.
CAR-FREE SUNDAY A HIT IN COLOMBIA
Fifty years ago, a 28-year-old Colombian with a bushy beard, flares and vintage Raleigh bicycle led a revolution on the streets of Bogota.
New Freed is more efficient, punchy and refined
Honda's dual-motor hybrid compact seven-seater is now more than a match for Toyota's Sienta
Toyota Camry is the clear champion
This is the second time in the 22-year history of the award that Toyota has won
How to buy a pre-loved gift someone might actually want
If you plan to regift, consider second-hand handbags, watches, jewellery and outerwear, as these are popular items among recipients
