Billionaire Ong Beng Seng to Plead Guilty in Case Linked to Ex-Singaporean Minister

SINGAPORE, June 10, 2025 – Billionaire Ong Beng Seng, 79, will plead guilty on July 3 to two charges tied to former transport minister S. Iswaran. Charged on October 4, 2024, Ong faces allegations of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts and obstructing justice. Court documents reveal Ong allegedly arranged a US$7,700 private flight for Iswaran to Doha in December 2022, a $4,737.63 hotel stay, and a $5,700 business class flight. He also reportedly alerted Iswaran to a seized flight manifest, prompting a billing request to evade investigation.

Ong Beng Seng

Subramaniam Iswaran, a former Singaporean cabinet minister, became embroiled in a rare corruption scandal that shocked the nation, known for its reputation for clean governance. Iswaran, who served as Transport Minister and held portfolios in trade, communications, and other areas, was a prominent figure in the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and played a key role in bringing the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Singapore in 2008.

The case, one of the most significant political scandals in decades, unfolded as follows:

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) began investigating Iswaran in May 2023 after uncovering information during a separate probe. On July 11, 2023, both Iswaran and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, a key figure in securing the F1 race, were arrested and later released on bail. The investigation focused on Iswaran’s dealings with Ong, who owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong ordered Iswaran to take a leave of absence, reducing his monthly ministerial pay to S$8,500, though he retained his full MP allowance.

In January 2024, Iswaran faced 27 charges, including corruption, obtaining gratification as a public servant, and obstructing justice.

Cover Photo: YouTube/EDGE

Business News