Singapore charges tycoon Ong Beng Seng over case linked to ex-minister Iswaran

Ong, widely credited for bringing Formula One grand prix racing to the city state, faces one charge of abetting a public servant to obtain valuable gifts and another of obstructing justice.

The court heard on Friday that in December 2022, Ong allegedly instigated Iswaran to obtain a Doha trip with him without consideration.

This involved arranging a flight on his private plane from Singapore to Doha valued at S$10,410, and through Singapore Grand Prix, arranging a one-night stay in Four Seasons Hotel in the Qatari capital worth S$4,737.63 and a business class ticket from the city to Singapore worth S$5,700.

Ong, 78, also owns the rights to the Singapore GP and Iswaran was chairman of the event’s steering committee.