What are the 5 charges that S. Iswaran pleaded guilty to?
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Former transport minister S. Iswaran had originally faced 35 charges, including two under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
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SINGAPORE – Former transport minister S. Iswaran was convicted of four charges of obtaining valuable things like Singapore Formula One (F1) Grand Prix tickets and a Brompton T Line bicycle as a public servant. He is also guilty of obstructing justice.
This comes after a surprise twist on what would have been the first day of the trial
Iswaran had originally faced 35 charges
The corruption charges were amended to charges under Section 165, which penalises public servants who obtain or accept gifts from individuals with whom the public servant has official dealings with.
These are the five charges he is being convicted of. The remaining 30 charges will be taken into consideration for sentencing.
1. Obtaining 2017 Singapore F1 Grand Prix tickets
In September 2017, Iswaran obtained 10 Green Room tickets to the 2017 Singapore F1 Grand Prix with a value of $42,265 from chairman of Singapore GP Ong Beng Seng.
Guests with Green Room tickets have access to all zones and the entertainment stages, an open bar with wines, beers and soft drinks, as well as a dedicated suite ambassador to look after the needs of guests.
2. Obtaining flights and a hotel stay in Doha
In December 2022, Iswaran took an outbound flight on Mr Ong’s private plane from Singapore to Doha worth about US$7,700 (S$10,410.40).
Through Singapore GP, he also took a business-class flight from Doha to Singapore with a value of $5,700.
He also stayed one night in Four Seasons Hotel Doha, with a price tag of $4,737.63.
3. Obstructing justice
Iswaran obstructed justice by paying $5,700 to Singapore GP to cover the cost of his business class ticket from Doha to Singapore on Dec 11, 2022. The flight was at the expense of Mr Ong through Singapore GP.
4. Obtaining 14 bottles of alcohol
In January 2022, Iswaran obtained 14 bottles of alcohol through Mr Lum Kok Seng, managing director of Lum Chang Holdings, a property management, interior design and construction firm.
These are:
(a) two bottles of Gordon & MacPhail Caol Ila whisky with a value of $542.23
(b) three bottles of L’Evangile 2014 wine with a value of $394.20
(c) three bottles of Pauillac De Latour 2015 wine with a value of $186.31
(d) three bottles of Albert Bichot Domaine du Clos Frantin Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru 2015 wine with a value of $1,177.21
(e) three bottles of Pichon Lalande 2010 wine with a value of $955.80
5. Obtaining a Brompton T Line bicycle
In June 2022, Iswaran obtained a Brompton T Line bicycle worth $7,907.50 from Mr Lum.
T Line bicycles are the lightest bicycles made by the British brand.
