Glenn Knight, a distinguished lawyer and first director of Singapore’s Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), passed away on February 19 at the age of 80.
The news was confirmed by a close friend of Knight, who was informed by the police early on the same day, reports said.
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Knight died while returning from a trip to Australia, on board a Scoot flight.
He was found motionless in his seat after the flight landed in Singapore around 3 am. Preliminary investigations by the police have indicated that there is no suspicion of foul play, though investigations are still ongoing.
Knight’s career spanned decades and left a profound impact on Singapore’s legal and law enforcement sectors. He was best known for his pivotal role in the creation of the CAD in 1984, where he served as the department’s director. Prior to this, Knight had made his mark as a public prosecutor, handling several high-profile criminal cases.
One of his most significant cases was the notorious Toa Payoh ritual murder case in 1981, involving Adrian Lim, a self-proclaimed medium responsible for the deaths of two children.
Knight’s role in the prosecution contributed to the conviction and execution of Lim and his accomplices, who were sentenced to death in 1983. This case earned Knight a reputation for his tenacity in handling complex and sensitive cases.
Another notable case was the prosecution of businessmen Peter Tham and Tan Koon Swan, both of whom were involved in the collapse of the Pan-Electric Industries conglomerate, which was one of the largest corporate scandals in Singapore’s history.
Despite his remarkable career, Knight’s journey was not without controversy. In 1991, he was investigated for corruption, which led to his dismissal from the CAD. He was subsequently convicted on charges related to misappropriation of funds, and in 1994, he was disbarred from legal practice.
However, Knight’s story is also one of redemption. In 2007, after serving his time and proving his commitment to legal ethics, Knight became the sixth lawyer to be reinstated as an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore.
Following his reinstatement, Knight returned to the legal profession, initially joining a law firm before establishing his own practice in 2010. He continued to practice law until his death, building a reputation not only as a skilled lawyer but also as a mentor to younger lawyers.
Despite his public prominence, Knight was known to have lived a relatively private life. He was widowed, with his wife passing away several years ago. He did not have children.
