CPIB nabs 9 suspects for alleged match-fixing in national basketball league

SINGAPORE – Nine people have been arrested for their suspected involvement in fixing matches in the national basketball league in 2025.

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in a statement on Aug 19 that it arrested eight Singaporeans and one permanent resident aged between 19 and 35.

Among those arrested were players from the teams taking part in the competition, the 2025 K. Star National Basketball League Division 1.

One of the matches that was allegedly fixed was the one between Tagawa and Tong Whye, which took place on Aug 1. That match ended 66-43 in favour of Tagawa.

The bureau said investigations are ongoing, and that Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.

“CPIB will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against any parties involved, if they have given, received, or offered bribes to fix a match,” it added.

The 2025 NBL Division 1 is set to run until Aug 30 and comprises 10 teams: Adroit HB, Scholar Basketball Academy, Tagawa, Chong Ghee, Allinton Eng Tat Hornets, SG Basketball, Siglap Basketball Club, Xin Hua, Tungsan and Tong Whye.

The league is organised by the Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS), the national body for the sport, and matches are played at the Singapore Basketball Centre in Aljunied.

Cash rewards of $4,000, $2,000 and $1,000 will be given to the top three teams respectively.

Neo Beng Siang, former head coach of the Singapore national basketball team, said he was surprised by the news.

He urged the BAS to “step in” to ensure it does not happen again.

“Most people will be surprised that this has happened in our league,” said Neo, 58, who is an adviser to the Eng Tat Hornets. He also coached the Singapore Slingers, who played in the now defunct Asean Basketball League.

“Most times, even the team don’t know that this is happening. It could be just that one or two players that are involved and the rest of the team are not aware.

“It is sad that a couple of guys spoil the whole image of local basketball. We want to grow basketball in Singapore and I hope that this situation does not lead to it being the downfall of the sport.”

When contacted by The Straits Times, the BAS said it is aware of the matter and will provide the necessary cooperation to the authorities in their investigation, adding that it does not condone any form of match-fixing.

It stated: “Discussions regarding the league are still under way, and we are unable to provide further details at this time. Once a decision has been reached, BAS will address the matter directly with the team managers.”

When contacted, some current and former NBL players declined to comment.

According to a source, NBL matches were being offered for betting on illegal gambling sites – screenshots of these games were seen by ST.

A check on the BAS website also shows that the matches are available for live streaming on a pay-per-view basis for between $2.99 and $3.99 per match.

With the regular season having concluded on Aug 17, play-off matches were set to begin with the quarter-finals on Aug 20.