7-2-2025 (SINGAPORE) Former Singaporean Transport Minister S Iswaran has been transferred to home detention after serving approximately four months of his year-long prison sentence, prison authorities confirmed today.
The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) announced that Iswaran, who was imprisoned at Changi Prison Complex following a corruption scandal, will serve the remainder of his sentence under electronic monitoring at his residence in Serangoon Gardens.
The decision follows standard protocols for inmates demonstrating good behaviour, with the former minister meeting key criteria including low risk of reoffending and strong family support, according to prison officials.
Under the terms of his home detention, Iswaran must adhere to strict curfew requirements and wear an electronic monitoring device. He is also required to engage in productive activities such as work or study and attend mandatory counselling sessions with the prison service.
The former minister began his custodial sentence on 7 October 2024 after pleading guilty to corruption charges involving the acceptance of valuable gifts worth approximately S$403,300 over a seven-year period. The items included Formula 1 tickets, musical shows, football matches, and luxury goods from prominent businessmen with whom he had official dealings.
Local legal experts note that home detention typically becomes available after inmates complete roughly one-third of their sentence, provided they maintain good behaviour during their incarceration.
“Home detention provides a structured transition back into society whilst maintaining oversight,” explains Adrian Wee, a prominent Singapore-based solicitor. “Those with approved employment may leave their residence during working hours, while others face more restricted movement.”
The case has drawn significant attention in Singapore, where public corruption cases involving high-ranking officials are rare. Iswaran had previously made restitution of approximately S$380,305.95 in illegally obtained benefits and resigned from his ministerial position in January 2024.
When approached at his residence today, Iswaran was observed briefly through a window but declined to engage with media representatives. His domestic staff indicated he was unavailable for comment.
The Singapore Prison Service reports that approximately 44 percent of eligible inmates were granted home detention in the previous year, highlighting the selective nature of the scheme.
