Convicted Billionaire Ong Spared Jail in Singapore Scandal

Convicted billionaire Ong Beng Seng will avoid jail in Singapore despite his involvement in a gifting scandal that stunned a city-state known for being one of the world’s least corrupt nations.

The Malaysian tycoon, who gained international fame for bringing Formula One racing to Singapore, was granted the reprieve by a district judge at a sentencing hearing on Friday afternoon. He will be fined S$30,000 ($23,374), the judge said, citing his poor health and “judicial mercy,” which allows sentences to be reduced in exceptional cases on humanitarian grounds.