Minister arrested in investigation conducted by anti-corruption agency
One of Singapore’s richest citizens, the transport minister, was arrested on Friday as part of an investigation by the anti-corruption agency.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong asked Mr Iswaran to go on leave.
AFP
Singapore’s transport minister has been placed on leave after the anti-corruption agency launched an investigation targeting one of the city-state’s wealthiest residents, the agency announced.
Minister S. Easwaran was “arrested on July 11, 2023” and “later released on bail,” the Corruption Eradication Bureau (CPIB) told AFP late on Friday. Hotelier Ong Peng Seng, one of Singapore’s richest men, was also arrested the same day and released on bail, the CPIB said.
Increased deposits
The commission did not disclose details of the investigation in the world’s least corrupt city-state. In Singapore, to prevent corruption, ministers receive a salary equivalent to the best in the private sector.
Although the passports of those arrested were seized, the CPIB promised to consider requests for foreign travel on a “case-by-case basis”. He “accepted Ong Peng Seng’s request to go abroad” but raised his bail to 100,000 Singapore dollars (almost 70,000 francs).
“Upon his return, Ong Peng Seng should report to the CPIB and surrender his passport,” the anti-corruption body added. After the CPIP’s involvement in the case was revealed, the investigation targeting the transport minister was extended to the billionaire.
“Notice of Arrest”
Hotel Properties Ltd, of which Ong Peng Seng is managing director, owns the Four Seasons and Hilton hotels and has properties in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, according to local media. In a filing to the Singapore Stock Exchange on Friday, the group said Ong Peng Seng had received an “arrest notice” from CPIB and had granted bail.
Ong Peng Seng, a Malaysian permanent resident of Singapore, contributed to the establishment of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in the city-state in 2008. His private company Singapore GB and the Singapore Tourism Board renewed the deal last year. The Grand Prix will run until 2028.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr. Asking Easwaran to go on leave, the CPIB on its part assured that the minister is “cooperating now”. The head of government said the anti-corruption agency had sought his consent for a formal investigation.
AFP
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