Formula One Controversy: Business Tycoon Behind F1 Singapore Pleads Guilty in Corruption Probe
Malaysian businessman Ong Beng Seng, the man credited with bringing Formula One racing to Singapore, has pleaded guilty to obstructing justice in connection with a high-profile corruption case involving the country’s former transport minister, S. Iswaran.
The 79-year-old billionaire, who is based in Singapore, appeared in court on Monday and admitted to the charge of helping Iswaran hide evidence during an anti-corruption investigation. Ong, who owns Hotel Properties Limited and holds the rights to host the Singapore Grand Prix, was earlier accused of showering Iswaran with expensive gifts — including VIP tickets to the 2017 Formula One race, flights on private jets and business class, and a stay in a luxury hotel.
Prosecutors Seek Jail Time, Defence Argues for Fine
Prosecutors have recommended a two-month prison sentence. However, considering Ong’s poor health, they agreed with his defence team that the court may show “judicial mercy.” Ong’s lawyers revealed that he suffers from multiple life-threatening illnesses, including a terminal form of cancer.
His lead counsel, Cavinder Bull, requested that the court impose a “substantial fine” rather than jail time, arguing that incarceration would pose serious risks to Ong’s health.
“This man is living on the edge,” said Bull. “The prison system cannot provide the level of medical attention he needs.”
The Attorney General’s Chambers, after reviewing the medical evidence submitted to the court, stated it would not oppose a fine in place of imprisonment. Ong’s sentencing is scheduled for August 15.
Background: A Rare Political Corruption Case
Ong’s case has drawn widespread attention in Singapore — a country known globally for its clean governance — because of his deep ties with former minister Iswaran. Together, they were instrumental in launching the first-ever Formula One night race on Singapore’s city streets in 2008.
Ong was arrested in July 2023 during a corruption investigation involving Iswaran and released on bail.
Iswaran was eventually sentenced in October 2023 to 12 months in prison after admitting to accepting illegal gifts worth over SGD 400,000 (approximately USD 310,000) and obstructing justice — making it Singapore’s first major political corruption trial in nearly five decades.
He completed his sentence in June 2025.
