Singapore fmr transport Minister, Iswaran faces eight more charges in graft

In one of Singapore’s most high-profile corruption cases, former Transport Minister S. Iswaran was charged with eight additional counts, according to the anti-graft commission.

The extra accusations stemmed from allegations that as a minister, he took valued things worth approximately S$18,956 ($14,077) from an individual whose business had connections with the Transport Ministry, according to a statement from the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau.

According to reports, Iswaran now faces 35 accusations in a case that has grabbed Singapore, a major Asian financial hub known for its spotless administration that is rarely marred by corruption and political controversy.

The last corruption case involving a minister occurred in 1986, when the national development minister was probed for allegedly receiving bribes. The minister died before he could face charges in court.

Iswaran, 61, denies the claims, according to local media.

These include corruption and obstructing the course of justice, which were charged on January. 18. If convicted of graft, he faces a fine of up to S$100,000 or seven years in prison.

Meanwhile, he was arrested in July of last year and accused of receiving S$384,340 ($286,181) in kickbacks from property billionaire Ong Beng Seng, in part to boost Ong’s commercial interests.

Charge sheets show that the gifts included tickets to football games, musicals, a flight on Ong’s private plane, and seats to the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix. Iswaran served as an advisor to the Grand Prix steering committee, and Ong holds the race’s rights.