*Singapore – October 4, 2024* Subramaniam Eswaran, Singapore’s former Senior Cabinet Minister, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting to receiving gifts during his time in government office. Eswaran, 62, who previously held the position of Minister for Transport, was found guilty of accepting bribes amounting to around $400,000.The court heard that Eswaran accepted lavish gifts, including tickets to the Formula One Grand Prix, a high-end Brampton T-line bicycle, expensive alcohol, and even private jet travel. These gifts were reportedly received in exchange for favors and influence during his tenure as a key figure in the Singaporean government.The case was presided over by Justice Vincent Hoong of the Singapore High Court, who emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting that Eswaran had grossly misused his power and breached public trust. “No one is above the law,” the judge remarked during the sentencing, highlighting Singapore’s firm stance against corruption.Eswaran’s actions have rocked the political scene, with many expressing disappointment in his betrayal of public service values. His sentencing makes him the highest-ranking politician in Singapore to be jailed for corruption in the last 50 years, a rare instance in the city-state’s well-known clean governance.The former minister is expected to surrender himself on October 7 to serve his sentence.