Detecting Bid-Rigging Through Internal Audit Practices
On 12 June 2025, IIA Singapore hosted a webinar titled “Detecting Bid-Rigging Through Internal Audit Practices”, drawing more than 300 attendees from Singapore and the region. The session featured Yoong Ee Chuan, Managing Director at RxE Integrity Advisory who shared insights based on a real-life bid-rigging case that was successfully prosecuted by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS).
Ee Chuan shared insights from a real-life case of bid-rigging, investigated and successfully prosecuted by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS). Drawing on his experience as a former internal auditor, Yoong Ee Chuan walked participants through how the case unfolded, and the steps that led to uncovering the collusion. Through this practical lens, the session provided valuable learning points on how internal auditors can contribute meaningfully to detecting and preventing bid-rigging. It also sparked robust engagement from participants, who posed thoughtful questions that added depth to the discussion.
Key takeaways from the session:
- Bid-rigging can be challenging to detect, as it may not present obvious red flags in standard procurement documentation. Internal auditors should go beyond surface-level compliance checks.
- A strong understanding of procurement processes is essential for internal auditors to identify unusual bidding patterns.
- Vendor due diligence and ongoing monitoring must be integrated into the audit plan. Internal auditors should examine vendor relationships over time, particularly where long-term patterns may indicate collusion.
- Training and awareness programmes, including scenario-based discussions, can help internal audit and procurement teams better recognise signs of bid manipulation and understand how to respond.
This session served as a timely reminder of the evolving risks in procurement and the vital role internal auditors play in upholding transparency and accountability.
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