According to Reuters, Singapore’s former Transport Minister S. Iswaran is facing additional charges in a corruption case, as announced by the anti-graft body on Monday. These new charges allege that Iswaran received valuable items worth approximately S$18,956 ($14,077) from an individual with business dealings with the Transport Ministry. This brings the total number of charges against him to 35, making it one of the city-state’s most high-profile corruption scandals.
The case has captured the attention of Singapore, a prominent financial center in Asia known for its clean government and low levels of corruption. The last corruption scandal involving a minister dates back to 1986, when a national development minister was accused of accepting bribes but passed away before facing charges in court.
Local media reports indicate that Iswaran, aged 61, has denied all charges against him, including corruption and obstructing the course of justice, which were first brought on January 18. If found guilty of corruption, he could potentially be fined up to S$100,000 or sentenced to seven years in prison.
Iswaran was arrested in July of the previous year on allegations of receiving kickbacks amounting to S$384,340 ($286,181) from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, allegedly to further Ong’s business interests. The favors reportedly included tickets to sporting events, musicals, a flight on Ong’s private plane, and entry to the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix. Iswaran had served as an advisor to the Grand Prix’s steering committee, while Ong holds the rights to the event.
It is important to note that the exchange rate at the time was $1 to 1.3466 Singapore dollars. The case continues to unfold, with Iswaran maintaining his innocence amidst the mounting charges and public scrutiny.
The news of these developments was reported by Yantoultra Ngui and edited by Martin Petty, shedding light on a significant corruption case that has rocked Singapore’s political landscape and raised questions about the integrity of its government officials.
