Iswaran Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges After Months of Denial
Former Singapore transport minister Iswaran pleaded guilty on Tuesday, September 24, on what was expected to be the first day of his criminal trial. After months of maintaining that he would contest the charges to clear his name, the 62-year-old admitted to multiple charges involving corruption and obstruction of justice.
Charges Involving Valuables and Obstruction of Justice
Iswaran pleaded guilty to four charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which prohibits public servants from accepting valuables from individuals connected to their official duties. He also admitted to one charge of obstruction of justice. The charges involve receiving tickets to theatre shows, football matches, the Singapore F1 Grand Prix, luxury items like whisky, international flights, and a hotel stay, amounting to more than S$400,000 (over US$300,000).
Additional Charges Taken Into Consideration for Sentencing
In addition to the five charges to which he pleaded guilty, another 30 charges will be taken into consideration during the sentencing process. These charges add to the gravity of the case, which has drawn significant public attention due to Iswaran’s prominent role in Singapore’s government.
A High-Profile Case with Far-Reaching Consequences
Iswaran, who held roles in transport and trade relations, faces a sentencing process that could see him serve time for the offences. His guilty plea marks a significant moment in one of Singapore’s most high-profile corruption cases, underscoring the nation’s strong stance on public integrity and accountability.
