Former transport minister S. Iswaran has surrendered his passport after returning to Singapore following a hospital discharge in Melbourne, according to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on March 20, 2024. The former minister had been granted bail of S$800,000 after being charged with 24 counts of corruption on January 18. These charges involve accepting items valued at over S$200,000 from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng.

Iswaran had left Singapore to assist his son’s university move to Melbourne from February 16 to March 4, with approval granted for his travel. However, his stay was extended due to health issues, and he was later discharged from a Melbourne hospital on March 5. Despite advice not to travel for 12 days, Iswaran stayed abroad, reporting daily to police via video call regarding his medical status. He returned to Singapore by March 19, as required.

The charges against Iswaran cover incidents between 2015 and 2021, including receiving tickets to the Singapore Grand Prix, football matches, and musicals. He also faces a charge of obstructing justice for allegedly repaying a business class flight cost of S$5,700 through Singapore GP, which was initially covered by Ong.

Iswaran resigned from his position in the People’s Action Party and as transport minister in January. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in jail, fines of up to S$100,000, or both for each corruption charge. Obstructing the course of justice could result in up to seven years in jail, a fine, or both.