Ong Beng Seng Admits Role in High-Profile Corruption Case
F1 tycoon pleads guilty in Singapore corruption case, admitting he helped cover up evidence tied to illegal ministerial gifts. Ong Beng Seng, a billionaire hotel magnate, confessed to abetting obstruction of justice during a court hearing this week.
He was involved in helping former transport minister Subramaniam Iswaran hide proof of lavish gifts. These included a private jet ride and hotel stays paid for by Ong during an official business trip to Qatar.
Singapore law requires ministers to declare gifts and pay market value to the state, but Iswaran didn’t comply. Instead, Ong billed him months later, only after learning an investigation had begun and flight records were seized.
Billionaire Faces Charges But Likely to Avoid Jail
Ong originally faced up to seven years in prison.
But due to his advanced age and rare bone marrow cancer, both sides recommended a fine instead of jail.
Prosecutors noted Ong’s role was less serious than Iswaran’s, who was a sitting minister during the offense. Ong’s lawyers argued he merely followed instructions from the ex-minister.
The court had previously allowed Ong to travel overseas for medical and work reasons.
He will be sentenced on August 15.
Luxury Trips, Grand Prix Ties, and Singapore’s Anti-Corruption Reputation
Ong helped bring the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Singapore and leads Hotel Properties Limited, which runs Four Seasons and Marriott hotels.
His company, Singapore GP, arranged the disputed trip and flight costs.
Iswaran, who was part of the F1 steering committee, accepted more than S$403,000 worth of flights, hotels, and event tickets.
Singapore’s clean reputation faces scrutiny, as this rare case highlights elite misconduct.
Despite resigning from Hotel Properties Limited in April due to health issues, Ong’s name remains tied to the city’s biggest corruption scandal in years.
