Double-standards by the PAP government

Without international pressure, will the PAP government voluntarily clamp down on arms transfers made through SG?

Singapore will stop arms transfers without blocking legitimate trade with Myanmar: MFA​

Singapore will continue with efforts to prevent the Myanmar junta from accessing military supplies through the Republic. PHOTO: REUTERS
Varun Karthik

Jun 29, 2024

SINGAPORE – Singapore will continue with efforts to prevent the Myanmar junta from accessing military supplies through the Republic while being mindful about not blocking legitimate trade and transactions with Myanmar as that will hurt civilians there, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on June 28.
“Legitimate trade and financial links between Singapore and Myanmar are necessary to support the livelihoods of the Myanmar people,” MFA said in a statement.
“We have been very careful to avoid inadvertently causing greater hardship for the Myanmar people.”
The statement came in response to media queries following the release of a report by UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews on June 26.
The report, which lauded the city-state for its decisive action in clamping down on both the export of military materials from Singapore and the facilitation of arms transactions by banks here, called for financial institutions to “terminate or freeze all financial relationships with Myanmar’s state-owned banks” while “(undertaking) enhanced due diligence on all business relationships and transactions related to Myanmar”.
MFA said: “Singapore’s policy is to prohibit the transfer of arms to Myanmar and to not authorise the transfer to Myanmar of dual-use items, which have been assessed to have potential military application and where there is a serious risk they may be used to inflict violence against unarmed civilians.”
It added: “At the same time, it is not the intention of the Singapore Government to block legitimate trade with Myanmar. Special Rapporteur Andrews’ findings underscore the effectiveness of Singapore’s policy, especially through the measures imposed by Singapore financial institutions (FIs).”

The ministry said FIs based here “will not facilitate any transactions that involve the sale and transfer of arms to Myanmar”, and that banks here have been applying enhanced due diligence on transactions involving Myanmar entities and individuals.
It noted that the Monetary Authority of Singapore had published a circular in August 2023 providing banks with additional guidance on the measures they should incorporate to better detect and manage sanctions-related risks.
“Singapore FIs also had success in the deployment of data analytics to better identify risks and apply appropriate risk-mitigation measures, in particular around the detection of front and shell companies being used to potentially evade sanctions,” MFA said.
“We await specific and actionable information from the Special Rapporteur’s Office so that we are able to conduct the necessary checks on the leads provided in his latest report, and ensure that our FIs and companies are taking the necessary measures to address the risks posed.”

How these Melbourne girls managed to get away would be forever the Aussie state of Victoria's secret.

Wah, what a policy change after Gay Loong and Whore Jinx left. Chartered Industries and ST used to sell weapons to Myanamar all the time, even help them build factory in Myanmar to manufacture it. Now cannot anymore? Willing to let ST lose some profit? Really?

Isn't Burma close allies with chicons land? They can buy weapons from chicons land..so ST is yesterdays news

Hypocrite-The said:

Isn't Burma close allies with chicons land? They can buy weapons from chicons land..so ST is yesterdays news

Click to expand...

Now they buying weapons from them because the PRC sells to them at friendship prices. But before that, it was sinkieland

Papsmearer said:

Now they buying weapons from them because the PRC sells to them at friendship prices. But before that, it was sinkieland

Click to expand...

So basically singkieland and ST helping Burma is yesterday's news

Forum: Laws shouldn’t be flouted while practising religion​

Aug 07, 2024

As the Chinese seventh month starts, so too does the haze return. Not from across the sea but from the nearest oil drum and open wire enclosure with hell notes burning.
While there is a need to respect others’ religions, the practice of these religions should not be at the expense of flouting national laws like those against littering.
The Alliance for Action on Norms for Joss Paper Burning also advises worshippers to not toss or scatter joss paper, and ensure that they clear up their offerings after prayers. Yet many times, the aftermath of a joss paper-burning session can be seen in unburnt and semi-burnt joss papers strewn across grass verges and pavements, clogging drains and canals. Pieces of ash fly into homes. Food offerings are left out overnight, attracting rats and other pests.
What actions can be taken against such irresponsible worshippers?

Adam Reutens-Tan

The ESG advocates go after the use of plastic straws but are doing nothing when it comes to use of plastic in supermarkets.

Forum: Cut amount of single-use plastic in supermarkets​

Sep 11, 2024

It has been more than a year since supermarkets in Singapore, mandated by the authorities, started charging consumers for plastic bags.
This caused a major shift in consumer behaviour, as reported in the article “Over 90% of customers bring own bags after mandatory 5-cent charge for plastic bags: NEA survey” (Aug 30).
Is it perhaps time for businesses to go a step further?
In particular, is it time for supermarkets and other retailers to consider reducing the amount of single-use plastic used to package fresh items?
Many fruits and vegetables are packed in plastic punnets, bags or shrink-wrap – the plastics can’t be reused and have to be thrown away.
Wouldn’t it be more environmentally friendly for supermarkets and other retailers to consider selling fruits and vegetables loose?
One could argue that consumers would still be using plastic bags to hold the fruits and vegetables, but those bags can be reused.

Perhaps a deeper study could be done on reducing the amount of plastics that retailers such as supermarkets use.
They should turn to alternatives as part of Singapore’s continuing efforts to be sustainable.

Benny Lai Zhao Wei

Forum: Do what’s essential but don’t over-protect platform workers​

Sep 11, 2024

I agree that platform workers need to have stronger labour protections, especially for work injury compensation due to the nature of their work. (MPs raise concerns on costs of law to protect platform workers, Sept 10)
But to over-protect platform workers with higher Central Provident Fund contributions for housing and retirement adequacy may not be fair to the rest of the self-employed people who are only required to top up their MediSave contribution annually.
We need to revisit the issue of self-employment. Are these platform workers being agents or staff of such platform providers? The role, responsibility, obligation, compensation and remuneration may differ accordingly.
Not all platform workers are from the lower-income spectrum of society. Some people opt for these jobs because of personal freedom.
Others may not want to upskill or reskill and instead choose a “more relaxed” semi-retirement job.
The more pressing issue for platform workers would be their workplace injury insurance and compensation.
As they are on the move constantly, their protection against personal injury is of utmost importance.

As for housing and retirement adequacy, the platform workers need to sort out their priorities themselves.
Society should not view the platform workers as belonging to the “disadvantaged group”. Such workers should not expect the state to bear the cost of “social justice”.
I fear the social implication on the rest of the self-employed sector, who are also facing increasing competition and may demand more assistance from the state to maintain their livelihoods and standard of living.
Giving more benefits is a popular move. But I hope that the relevant authorities would do only the essential part that is more relevant to the nature of the work. Do not over-protect or over-provide, as it may lead to a deterioration of our work values.

Foo Sing Kheng

No offence committed by cabbies who gathered at Changi Airport over minibus concerns: Shanmugam​

Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam described the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns.PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS

Kok Yufeng
Mar 04, 2025

SINGAPORE– The police’s assessment of a gathering of unhappy premium taxi drivers at Changi Airport on Feb 13 found that there was “no offence disclosed”, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam on March 4.

Meanwhile, a ground manager from private transport operator Woodlands Transport Service whose actions led to some cabbies’ perception of unfair treatment has been removed from his role, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.

Describing the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns over a new minibus service at the airport, Mr Shanmugam said police inquiries found that there was no strike or protest involved.

In a written parliamentary reply to Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong GRC), who asked if the police were probing the incident, Mr Shanmugam said no law-and-order issues arose from the meeting and the police will not be investigating further.

In a separate written reply to Mr Xie and Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai, Mr Chee shed more light on what led to the events of Feb 13. The minister said airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) has been engaging Woodlands Transport to manage Changi Airport’s ground transport concierge service since 2008.

This service allows travellers to book a range of transport options, including six- to seven-seater taxis and limousine cabs.

As this is a commercial arrangement between the two firms, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Land Transport Authority are not involved in the operations, Mr Chee said.

On Feb 1, CAG and Woodlands Transport introduced a new eight-seater minibus service, operated by Woodlands Transport, in response to growing demand for larger vehicles.

However, a Woodlands Transport ground manager allowed the new minibuses to park in front of the ground transport concierge counter, which is meant to be the assembly point for the premium taxis and maxi-cabs, Mr Chee said.

This led to perceptions that Woodlands Transport was giving preferential treatment to its own minibus service. CAG did not approve this arrangement, the minister added.

The Straits Times reported that simmering unhappiness had reached a tipping point on Feb 13 after some cabbies recalled having to wait longer to pick up passengers at the airport following the roll-out of the minibus trial. They reported income losses as a result.

On Feb 13, some drivers from taxi operators ComfortDelGro and Prime Taxi agreed to stop picking up passengers from Changi Airport between 9am and midnight.

From 4pm to 7pm, the drivers parked their vehicles in the holding area of the ground transport concierge, where they aired their concerns with CAG and the relevant parties.

Mr Chee said about 50 drivers met at the ground transport concierge area. The National Taxi Association (NTA) alerted CAG to the meeting, and both NTA and CAG representatives were present to engage the drivers.

After hearing their concerns, CAG suspended the new minibus service immediately.

The minibus trial remains suspended, a spokesperson for the airport operator told ST.

Mr Chee said CAG has since strengthened its oversight of Woodlands Transport’s operations at the ground transport concierge.

CAG will also engage the NTA and taxi drivers directly and regularly on any changes to the concierge service, and secure their support before rolling out the changes, he added. Mr Chee said it was thanks to the support of the NTA and driver association leaders who had stepped in to manage the situation that there was no disruption to taxi services at the airport. ST has contacted Woodlands Transport for comment.

The home-grown company manages a fleet of 1,300 vehicles, including buses, coaches and trucks, according to its website.

​

LITTLEREDDOT said:

No offence committed by cabbies who gathered at Changi Airport over minibus concerns: Shanmugam​

Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam described the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns.PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS

Kok Yufeng
Mar 04, 2025

SINGAPORE– The police’s assessment of a gathering of unhappy premium taxi drivers at Changi Airport on Feb 13 found that there was “no offence disclosed”, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam on March 4.

Meanwhile, a ground manager from private transport operator Woodlands Transport Service whose actions led to some cabbies’ perception of unfair treatment has been removed from his role, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.

Describing the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns over a new minibus service at the airport, Mr Shanmugam said police inquiries found that there was no strike or protest involved.

In a written parliamentary reply to Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong GRC), who asked if the police were probing the incident, Mr Shanmugam said no law-and-order issues arose from the meeting and the police will not be investigating further.

In a separate written reply to Mr Xie and Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai, Mr Chee shed more light on what led to the events of Feb 13. The minister said airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) has been engaging Woodlands Transport to manage Changi Airport’s ground transport concierge service since 2008.

This service allows travellers to book a range of transport options, including six- to seven-seater taxis and limousine cabs.

As this is a commercial arrangement between the two firms, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Land Transport Authority are not involved in the operations, Mr Chee said.

On Feb 1, CAG and Woodlands Transport introduced a new eight-seater minibus service, operated by Woodlands Transport, in response to growing demand for larger vehicles.

However, a Woodlands Transport ground manager allowed the new minibuses to park in front of the ground transport concierge counter, which is meant to be the assembly point for the premium taxis and maxi-cabs, Mr Chee said.

This led to perceptions that Woodlands Transport was giving preferential treatment to its own minibus service. CAG did not approve this arrangement, the minister added.

The Straits Times reported that simmering unhappiness had reached a tipping point on Feb 13 after some cabbies recalled having to wait longer to pick up passengers at the airport following the roll-out of the minibus trial. They reported income losses as a result.

On Feb 13, some drivers from taxi operators ComfortDelGro and Prime Taxi agreed to stop picking up passengers from Changi Airport between 9am and midnight.

From 4pm to 7pm, the drivers parked their vehicles in the holding area of the ground transport concierge, where they aired their concerns with CAG and the relevant parties.

Mr Chee said about 50 drivers met at the ground transport concierge area. The National Taxi Association (NTA) alerted CAG to the meeting, and both NTA and CAG representatives were present to engage the drivers.

After hearing their concerns, CAG suspended the new minibus service immediately.

The minibus trial remains suspended, a spokesperson for the airport operator told ST.

Mr Chee said CAG has since strengthened its oversight of Woodlands Transport’s operations at the ground transport concierge.

CAG will also engage the NTA and taxi drivers directly and regularly on any changes to the concierge service, and secure their support before rolling out the changes, he added. Mr Chee said it was thanks to the support of the NTA and driver association leaders who had stepped in to manage the situation that there was no disruption to taxi services at the airport. ST has contacted Woodlands Transport for comment.

The home-grown company manages a fleet of 1,300 vehicles, including buses, coaches and trucks, according to its website.

​

Click to expand...

But if 2 oppo leaders drive their minivan there and complain at the airport, they will be arrested in double quick time.

Forum: What about a safety net for local students wanting a place in university?​

Jun 10, 2025

I was heartened to learn that our Government is extending support to the 151 Singaporean students at Harvard (S’porean undergrads at Harvard can continue studies in universities here, June 6).

I am sure the Government will similarly extend support to Singaporean students at other elite US universities if the situation deteriorates there.

I sympathise with the Singaporeans studying at Harvard, but I wonder if the message is that our local universities do in fact have the capacity to take in more local students. Or is it that our local universities will reduce the number of places available to local students, to accommodate the returning US students?


Many local students do not have the financial resources to seek an overseas education, and universities at home are their only option. But due to limited capacity, not every eligible applicant is accepted.

So, I was surprised to learn that local universities are able to accommodate the affected Singapore students at Harvard. Wouldn’t this be at the expense of eligible local applicants?

Finally, these Ivy League students no doubt have the ability and resources to study in the US. They took the decision to study abroad willingly. In the face of adversity, is our Government expected to offer a safety net back home? What about a safety net for local students?

Roy Tan Choon Kang

Ong Beng Seng fined $30k in case linked to ex-minister Iswaran after judge cites judicial mercy​

Ong Beng Seng was handed a $30,000 fine on Aug 15 for abetting the obstruction of justice.

Summary

• Ong Beng Seng, 79, was fined for abetting former transport minister S. Iswaran in the obstruction of justice.
• Ong offered to cover all of Iswaran's expenses for a trip to Qatar, including flights on his private jet and a one-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel.
• Due to Ong's advanced multiple myeloma and other health issues, the judge agreed that imprisonment would endanger his life, warranting judicial mercy.

AI generated

Aug 15, 2025

SINGAPORE – Billionaire property tycoon Ong Beng Seng was fined $30,000 on Aug 15 for abetting the obstruction of justice in a case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran.

Ong, 79, was handed the maximum fine the district court can impose after he had pleaded guilty on Aug 4.

When Principal District Judge Lee Lit Cheng delivered the sentence, Ong looked ahead and did not react. After the hearing ended, he gave a thumbs up to one of his lawyers.

Judge Lee agreed with the prosecution and defence that judicial mercy should be exercised in this case due to Ong’s ill health.

She said: “Based on the clear and undisputed medical evidence before this court, the accused suffers from advanced multiple myeloma (an incurable cancer of plasma cells), and a sentence of imprisonment would carry a high and increased risk of endangering his life.”


Ong Beng Seng was fined $30,000 for abetting the obstruction of justice in a case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran.

ST ILLUSTRATION: CEL GULAPA

Judicial mercy is the discretionary power Singapore’s courts have to give a more lenient sentence because of exceptional mitigating circumstances.

Judge Lee noted the offences committed by Ong in this case were undoubtedly serious, as the charge he admitted to involved conduct likely to obstruct the course of justice. Ong’s second charge of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts was taken into consideration during sentencing.


When Principal District Judge Lee Lit Cheng delivered the sentence, Ong looked ahead and did not react.

ST ILLUSTRATION: CEL GULAPA

Had Ong’s medical condition been absent, the appropriate sentence would have been three months’ jail, Judge Lee said.

The prosecution had earlier acknowledged that while eight weeks’ imprisonment would ordinarily be warranted in this case, it did not object to a fine for Ong as jail time would result in an increased risk of endangering his life.


Ong’s lawyer, Senior Counsel Cavinder Bull, had argued that his client’s medical condition had destroyed parts of bone in his skeletal system. Ong was diagnosed with advanced multiple myeloma in 2020.

Imprisoning him would thus dramatically increase life-threatening risks for him, said Mr Bull.

On Aug 15, Ong arrived at the State Courts flanked by his lawyers and security team. It sparked a media frenzy, but Ong did not speak to reporters as he walked towards the entrance of the building.


The hearing began at around 2.30pm and ended in 30 minutes, after which Ong was seen signing what appeared to be a cheque book.

He left the State Courts at around 3.25pm without speaking to the media.

Those convicted of abetment of obstruction of justice can be jailed for up to seven years, fined or both. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, the district court can impose a maximum fine of $30,000 for the offence.

The offence​

In December 2022, Ong, credited with bringing Formula 1 racing to Singapore, asked Mr Iswaran if the then minister would like to join him on a trip to Qatar to watch the World Cup.

Ong told Mr Iswaran he would be his guest, travelling on his private jet. The businessman added that he would take care of all of Mr Iswaran’s expenses for the trip, including his hotel accommodation.

Mr Iswaran accepted the offer.

On Dec 10, 2022, he travelled to Doha, Qatar, on Ong’s private jet, with the flight valued at around US$7,700 (S$10,410.40, as stated in court documents).

Mr Iswaran checked into the Four Seasons Hotel, which cost $4,737.63 for a one-night stay.

After one night in Doha, he returned to Singapore on a business-class flight valued at $5,700.

Singapore GP – which Ong was the majority shareholder of – paid for the hotel stay and flight.


Ong left the State Courts at around 3.25pm without speaking to the media.

ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

How Ong’s actions came to light​

In May 2023, while the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) was investigating a separate matter relating to Ong’s associates, it came across the flight manifest of the outbound flight on Ong’s private jet that Mr Iswaran took to Doha.

On May 18, Ong was informed by his associates that CPIB had seized the flight manifest that had details of the Doha trip. Ong told Mr Iswaran about this over the phone.

Mr Iswaran asked Ong to have Singapore GP bill him for the Doha trip, including the flight to Singapore on Dec 11, 2022.

Ong agreed and had Singapore GP director Mok Chee Liang arrange the payment, and told Mr Mok to keep proper records of this.

On May 24, 2023, Mr Mok e-mailed Mr Iswaran’s personal assistant with an invoice for the flight from Doha to Singapore.

Mr Iswaran then issued a cheque for $5,700 to Singapore GP, which the prosecution said had a tendency to obstruct the course of justice, as it made it less likely that he would be investigated by CPIB in relation to the Doha trip.

The prosecution said Ong also knew that Mr Iswaran’s act of paying for the flight from Doha to Singapore was likely to obstruct the course of justice.

On Oct 3, 2024, Mr Iswaran was sentenced to 12 months’ jail after he pleaded guilty to five charges, including four over obtaining valuable items as a public servant.

Health conditions
Ong’s lawyers said he suffered from a “devastating cocktail of medical problems”. These include:

• Advanced multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects white blood cells, which are crucial to the body’s immune response. Ong was diagnosed in 2020.
• A hollowed-out spinal vertebrae caused by the cancer. A radiology photo of this was shown to the court.
• A metal rod inserted in the spine, which could become infected.
• “Intractable and relentless” diarrhoea, which puts him at risk of hypotension and acute kidney injury.
• Peripheral vascular disease of both feet, with a non-healing toe wound that places him at risk of infection and gangrene.
• Risk of falls that could result in permanent disability or life-threatening injury.

No fine, no jail, just a 12-month mandatory treatment order (MTO).

Aug 26, 2025, 12:20pm


Nicholas Yong
TNP
Aug 24, 2025

He filched a router, a laptop and a pair of spectacles from different stores in Funan in the space of seven days.

On Aug 22, Stephane Christophe Bernard Piot, 57, was sentenced to a 12-month mandatory treatment order (MTO) after pleading guilty to two of three charges of theft, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Under the terms of the MTO, the Frenchman must undergo psychiatric treatment at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). Piot's lawyer said that his client was willing to cooperate with the MTO, but did not specify his condition.

At around 3 pm on Feb 28 this year, an electrical appliance store staff member discovered that a router worth $899 was missing and there was no record of its sale.

After checking CCTV footage, staff discovered that Piot had taken the router without paying for it four days before. Police were then called.

A week later on the afternoon of March 2, another electronics store in Funan discovered that a laptop worth $2,799 was missing.

Investigations revealed that Pio entered the store between 11.18am and 11.26am that day, took one of the laptops on display and left.

Court documents showed that Piot also stole a pair of spectacles worth $326 from an optician at 12.15pm on Feb 28.

Isn't it much easier to just pass a law declaring Sinkie law only applies to Sinkieporeans?

All others are exempted.

Italian swimmers let off with warning after alleged shoplifting case at Changi Airport: Reports​

Benedetta Pilato (above) is one of two Italian swimmers who were stopped by police before boarding their flight to Italy on Aug 14.

Aug 30, 202

SINGAPORE – Two Italian swimmers were detained in Singapore over a suspected shoplifting incident at Changi Airport but were let off with a warning after diplomatic intervention allowed them to depart for home.

Chiara Tarantino, 22, and Benedetta Pilato, 20, were stopped by police before boarding their flight to Italy on Aug 14, having been caught by surveillance cameras taking perfumes from a store without paying, Italian media reported.

Hours-long questioning and investigations, including a strip search to check for more stolen goods, revealed that Tarantino had placed the products in Pilato’s suitcase.

According to Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, they were taken to a hotel shortly after the Italian Embassy in Singapore intervened on their behalf.

The pair were allowed to leave Singapore on Aug 18, after they were issued a warning and a repatriation document, having had their passports confiscated earlier.

The Italian Swimming Federation confirmed on Aug 29 that an incident regarding Tarantino and Pilato had occurred that required the intervention of the embassy in Singapore, but it was during a vacation period beyond federation-sanctioned activities.

The federation has not revealed any disciplinary measures it may take, saying only that it condemns the incident and will “carefully evaluate the matter”.

Tarantino and Pilato had participated in the World Aquatic Championships in Singapore, from July 11 to Aug 3. They then went on holiday in Bali with two other teammates before a scheduled return to Italy via a flight from Singapore.

Pilato issued a lengthy statement on Instagram on Aug 29 about her indirect involvement in the incident.


“Unfortunately, I was indirectly involved in an unpleasant incident handled by the Singapore airport authorities. I never intended to commit inappropriate acts,” wrote Pilato, who won a bronze in the 50m breaststroke event in Singapore.

“During days that should have been days of rest and mental relaxation, I instead went through particularly difficult times, far from home, beyond my control, but which have profoundly affected me on a human level.

“Fortunately, the matter was resolved within a few hours, without any implications, thanks in part to my utmost transparency with the airport authorities themselves. I immediately collaborated with the local authorities and with the full support of the embassy,” she wrote, adding that she had learnt important lessons about “individual responsibility, and the value of the people around me”.

According to swimming site SwimSwam, Tarantino, who has yet to comment on the incident, had taken part in the Singapore championships as a relay swimmer.

The Straits Times has contacted the Singapore Police Force and the Italian Embassy in Singapore for more information.

Singapore Law is always specially formulated for coolie gens and keep them in line and know their places

Aug 31, 2025, 01:23pm



Lok Jian Wen
The Straits Times
Aug 30, 2025

Two Italian swimmers were detained in Singapore over a suspected shoplifting incident at Changi Airport but were let off with a warning after diplomatic intervention allowed them to depart for home.

Chiara Tarantino, 22, and Benedetta Pilato, 20, were stopped by police before boarding their flight to Italy on Aug 14, having been caught by surveillance cameras taking perfumes from a store without paying, Italian media reported.


Hours-long questioning and investigations, including a strip search to check for more stolen goods, revealed that Tarantino had placed the products in Pilato's suitcase.

According to Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, they were taken to a hotel shortly after the Italian Embassy in Singapore intervened on their behalf.

The pair were allowed to leave Singapore on Aug 18, after they were issued a warning and a repatriation document, having had their passports confiscated earlier.


The Italian Swimming Federation confirmed on Aug 29 that an incident regarding Tarantino and Pilato had occurred that required the intervention of the embassy in Singapore, but it was during a vacation period beyond federation-sanctioned activities.

The federation has not revealed any disciplinary measures it may take, saying only that it condemns the incident and will "carefully evaluate the matter".

Tarantino and Pilato had participated in the World Aquatic Championships in Singapore, from July 11 to Aug 3. They then went on holiday in Bali with two other teammates before a scheduled return to Italy via a flight from Singapore.

Pilato issued a lengthy statement on Instagram on Aug 29 about her indirect involvement in the incident.

"Unfortunately, I was indirectly involved in an unpleasant incident handled by the Singapore airport authorities. I never intended to commit inappropriate acts," wrote Pilato, who won a bronze in the 50m breaststroke event in Singapore.

"During days that should have been days of rest and mental relaxation, I instead went through particularly difficult times, far from home, beyond my control, but which have profoundly affected me on a human level.

"Fortunately, the matter was resolved within a few hours, without any implications, thanks in part to my utmost transparency with the airport authorities themselves. I immediately collaborated with the local authorities and with the full support of the embassy," she wrote, adding that she had learnt important lessons about "individual responsibility, and the value of the people around me".

According to swimming site SwimSwam, Tarantino, who has yet to comment on the incident, had taken part in the Singapore championships as a relay swimmer.

The Straits Times has contacted the Singapore Police Force and the Italian Embassy in Singapore for more information.

Italian swimmers given conditional warning for shoplifting at Changi, banned from re-entering S’pore​

Benedetta Pilato (right) was among two Italian swimmers given 12-month conditional warnings and banned from re-entering Singapore.

Sep 04, 2025

SINGAPORE - The Italian swimmers who were arrested for shoplifting at Changi Airport have been banned from re-entering Singapore, the Singapore Police Force said on Sept 4.

In response to media queries, the police confirmed earlier reports that two female Italian nationals, aged 20 and 22, were arrested on Aug 14 for shoplifting.

As part of the standard procedures for cases involving foreigners arrested in Singapore, the police said they had informed the Embassy of Italy in Singapore of the case to provide consular assistance.

After considering the facts and circumstances of the case, and in consultation with Singapore’s Attorney-General’s Chambers, the police said they issued the two women a 12-month conditional warning.

In this period, the pair – Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantino – are not to commit any other offences.

Both have since left Singapore and will be banned from re-entering, added the police.

Italian media had reported on Aug 29 about the alleged offence involving the pair, who were part of the Italian contingent that had competed at the July 11-Aug 3 World Aquatics Championships here.

They were detained at Changi Airport briefly by the police, having returned from a holiday in Bali before their scheduled return to Italy via Singapore. Intervention by the embassy then allowed them to be released and remain in a hotel before their repatriation, according to reports.

Italian media reported that Tarantino had been caught by surveillance cameras placing perfume products in Pilato’s suitcase.

When asked what intervention it provided in this case, the Italian embassy said it “intervened on the basis of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to assist and provide support to the two Italian nationals involved in the case”.

The convention is an international treaty that outlines the functions of a consulate, such as protecting a state’s interests and nationals in a foreign country.

The Italian embassy did not specify how it intervened in this case in relation to the convention, but under this treaty, consular officers have the right to visit its citizens who are in prison, custody or detention, to arrange for legal representation.

“The embassy has no competence and/or knowledge of the full details on the case, which has been duly handled by the competent Singaporean authorities,” said a spokesperson for the Italian embassy in Singapore.

In response to ST’s queries, the Italian Swimming Federation said it condemns the behaviour of the two swimmers. The federation has also opened an internal investigation through its sports tribunal, which could lead to disciplinary measures, said the federation’s director of communications Francesco Passariello.

However, their case will not be subject to review by the Italian courts as “the events have been clarified” with the Singaporean authorities, he added.

The Italian national swim team’s head coach Cesare Butini lambasted the two athletes over the incident, saying that action will be taken.

“Great disappointment for behaviour that does not help anyone and certainly damages the sport in general,” he was quoted as saying by Italian daily La Repubblica in an Aug 31 report.

“I will tell them they have done something very stupid. They are ambassadors, even when they don’t wear the (national uniform). What they did is very serious. Ending up on the front page for this, no thanks.”

While Tarantino, 22, appears to have deactivated her social media accounts after the incident, Pilato, 20, issued a lengthy statement on Instagram on Aug 29 about the incident.

“Unfortunately, I was indirectly involved in an unpleasant incident handled by the Singapore airport authorities. I never intended to commit inappropriate acts,” wrote Pilato, who won a bronze in the 50m breaststroke event in Singapore.

“During days that should have been days of rest and mental relaxation, I instead went through particularly difficult times, far from home, beyond my control, but which have profoundly affected me on a human level.

“Fortunately, the matter was resolved within a few hours, without any implications, thanks in part to my utmost transparency with the airport authorities themselves,” she wrote.