Timeline: Transport Minister S Iswaran, property tycoon Ong Beng Seng arrested as part of CPIB probe - CNA

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng was seen entering and leaving CPIB headquarters, although at the time it was unclear if and how he was connected to the investigation.

Jul 13 evening: Mr Iswaran will remain in Singapore: PMO

In response to CNA’s queries, the Prime Minister’s Office said Mr Iswaran will remain in Singapore during his leave of absence.

The PMO also said he will have “no access to any official resources and government buildings”.

Jul 14 morning: Mr Ong Beng Seng’s arrest announced by HPL

Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), the company which Mr Ong Beng Seng co-founded and where he is managing director, announced on Jul 14 that he has been "given a notice of arrest".

Mr Ong, who is Malaysian and based in Singapore, was also asked by CPIB to provide information in relation to his interactions with Mr Iswaran, said the company in its notice on the Singapore Exchange.

It added that no charges have been filed against Mr Ong and that he will be travelling from Jul 14. The firm said that Mr Ong will surrender his passport to CPIB and that he is fully cooperating with the anti-graft agency. Bail of S$100,000 (US$75,505) has been posted.

The 77-year-old billionaire businessman is often credited with playing a key role in a deal struck in 2007 between the Singapore Tourism Board and then-Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, to bring the first-ever night race to the country.

He owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix and is chairman of race promoter Singapore GP.

The contract for Singapore to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix for another seven years was signed last year – the fourth renewal and longest extension.

Mr Iswaran has been actively involved in the government's engagements with F1, including making appearances at press conferences where announcements about the event's future have been made.

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