SINGAPORE: Singapore’s transport minister has been arrested in reference to a uncommon top-level corruption probe that has additionally ensnared a billionaire resort tycoon, the nation’s anti-graft physique
has mentioned.
S. Iswaran was “arrested on 11 July 2023” and “subsequently released on bail,” the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, also referred to as CPIB, mentioned in an emailed assertion, confirming the arrest for the primary time.
Hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng, one among Singapore’s richest individuals, was additionally arrested on the identical day and launched on bail in reference to the probe, the bureau mentioned.
Cabinet ministers are paid salaries corresponding to the highest earners within the personal sector to discourage corruption.

The investigation of the transport chief by the highly effective anti-graft bureau widened after it was disclosed that Ong was included within the probe.
Ong is the managing director of Hotel Properties Limited, which owns a string of high-end lodges and resorts in places round Asia and the Pacific.
In a submitting with the Singapore Exchange on Friday, the corporate mentioned that Ong was given a “notice of arrest” by the CPIB and had posted bail.
While the passports of these below arrest are usually impounded, Ong was granted permission to go away Singapore on Friday, with the CPIB noting it considers requests for journey abroad “on a case-by-case basis.”
The CPIB mentioned it had “acceded to Ong’s request to travel overseas,” however elevated his bail to Sg$100,000 ($76,000).
“Upon his return, Ong is required to report to CPIB and surrender his passport to the bureau,” the CPIB added.
Ong, a Malaysian who’s a Singapore everlasting resident, is credited with serving to convey the Formula One Grand Prix to Singapore in 2008.
His personal firm Singapore GP and the Singapore Tourism Board final 12 months renewed the contract to host the F1 race till 2028.
Iswaran, in the meantime, had been ordered to go on depart earlier within the week by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after the CPIB mentioned the minister was “currently assisting” an ongoing investigation.
Lee mentioned the anti-graft physique had sought his approval for a proper investigation that will contain interviewing Iswaran, amongst different individuals.