The authorities in Singapore have opened a criminal investigation into the Dutch electronics group, Philips, over a marketing campaign. A fuzzy video released on social media sites suggested a wild bear was roaming a residential neighbourhood. Some viewers realised it was a stunt, but zoo officials with a tranquiliser gun searched for the animal.
Philips has apologised for what was, in fact, a human in a bear costume, filmed rummaging through rubbish bins. Police, animal rights activists and zoo workers scoured the area after the video emerged.
Police later said they were investigating Philips for "an offence of public nuisance under section 268 of the penal code". If found guilty, Philips faces a fine of S$1,000 ($767, £483). Philips' public relations agency issued a statement on the incident: "We acknowledge that the resemblance of the mascot to a live bear has caused some public concern in the neighbourhood where the mascot was sighted.
"We had anticipated the attention that the bear will draw but have no intention to cause any alarm. We would like to apologise for any concern caused." Reports suggest that the search for the non-existent bear involved 12 people from Singapore's Wildlife Reserves staff, three people from an animal protection group, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), and several police.
With video.
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