Shocking Shell Heist: Ex-Bunker Clerk Sentenced for Role in $18.4 Million Fuel Scandal!

SINGAPORE – In a dramatic conclusion to a high-profile case, Wong Wai Meng, a former bunker clerk, was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison on January 10 for his involvement in acquiring over 28,000 tonnes of misappropriated marine gas oil valued at approximately $13.58 million (close to S$18.36 million).

Wong, age 58, was employed by Sentek Marine & Trading when he facilitated the illicit transactions that spanned from August 2014 to December 2017. He pled guilty on November 2024 to 12 charges of intentionally aiding the company in acquiring the stolen fuel, for which he received over $286,000 in compensation.

This major fuel heist was orchestrated by a ring of corrupt Shell employees who siphoned off more than 200,000 tonnes of marine gas oil, worth an astounding $120 million, from Shell Eastern Petroleum's Pulau Bukom facility. With the involvement of Wong and his colleagues, Sentek purchased this misappropriated fuel at significantly reduced prices, later reselling it at or near the market rate to various customers, including foreign vessels.

Wong’s role was vital; he was responsible for the transfer and receipt of the fuel aboard the bunkering vessel Sentek 22. The court heard from Deputy Public Prosecutors that Wong was fully aware that the gas oil was illegally obtained and had the backing of Sentek's management.

In related developments, Wong’s former associates, including Alvin Koh Koon Yian and Ng Hock Teck, are still individuals of interest in ongoing investigations, with their cases yet to be resolved. Reports from earlier proceedings indicate that in 2015, there was an alarming internal discussion regarding the “project” meant to divert extra gas oil beyond what was sanctioned.

The case gained traction when in August 2017, a representative from Shell filed a police report about an unaccounted loss of gas oil, prompting a thorough investigation that ultimately led to Wong's arrest and charges being laid against him in 2022.

His bail was set at $30,000 as he awaited sentencing, with Wong expected to begin his prison term on February 10. The ramifications of this scandal continue to unfold, raising questions about corporate governance and security within major fuel suppliers.

As authorities delve deeper into this conspiracy, the fuel industry watches closely—what will be the fallout of this shocking scandal? Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge!