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Malaysian tycoon Ong Beng Seng spared jail after Singapore scandal

Malaysian tycoon Ong Beng Seng spared jail after Singapore scandal

Daily Express3 days ago
Published on: Friday, August 15, 2025
Published on: Fri, Aug 15, 2025
By: Bloomberg Text Size: Ong Beng Seng last week pleaded guilty to abetting former Singapore transport minister S Iswaran to obstruct the course of justice. (EPA Images pic) SINGAPORE: Convicted billionaire Ong Beng Seng will avoid jail in Singapore despite his involvement in a scandal that stunned a city-state known for being one of the world's least corrupt nations. The Malaysian tycoon, who gained international fame for bringing Formula One racing to Singapore, was granted the reprieve by a district judge at a sentencing hearing this afternoon. Ong will be fined S$30,000, the judge said, citing his dire medical condition. The 79-year-old last week pleaded guilty to one charge of abetting former Singapore transport minister S Iswaran to obstruct the course of justice. Prosecutors said Ong in 2023 helped to bill Iswaran for a S$5,700 business class ticket while authorities were investigating the matter. The ex-politician was jailed last year after obtaining gifts that included tickets to Singapore's Grand Prix, a luxury hotel stay and other valuable items while in public office. Ong's charge related to a 2022 trip to the Fifa World Cup quarterfinals in Doha, which he had invited Iswaran to. Under Singapore's Penal Code, Ong could have been imprisoned for up to seven years in addition to being fined. Prosecutors had earlier sought eight weeks' jail for him, but his defence had asked for a fine instead based on his medical conditions, which include advanced multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer that has compromised his immune system. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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