Former Transport Minister S Iswaran has returned to Singapore after being discharged from a hospital in Melbourne. Following his return, he surrendered his passport to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on March 20, 2024.

Iswaran had been granted S$800,000 bail after his initial charges on January 18. He traveled to Australia from February 16 to March 4 to assist his son with university arrangements. Conditions of his bail included an additional cash bail of S$500,000 and daily video check-ins with police regarding his medical status and travel plans.

The former minister was hospitalized for a respiratory illness and was advised against traveling for 12 days following his discharge on March 5. He is facing 24 charges related to corruption, including receiving over S$200,000 worth of items from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, known for bringing Formula One to Singapore in 2008.

The charges against Iswaran include receiving various entertainment tickets, such as those for the Singapore Grand Prix, football matches, and musicals, during the period from 2015 to 2021. He also faces a charge of obstructing justice for allegedly repaying S$5,700 for a flight ticket that he supposedly received at Ong’s expense.

Iswaran, who has served as an MP since 1997 and was promoted to full minister in 2011, resigned from the ruling People’s Action Party and stepped down as transport minister earlier this year. If convicted, he could face fines of up to S$100,000 or imprisonment for up to seven years for each corruption charge. For obstructing justice, the penalties include up to seven years in jail, fines, or both.