Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) revealed it arrested nine individuals suspected of match-fixing in Singapore’s top-flight basketball league.
Key Takeaways
- Nine individuals, including players, have been arrested by the CPIB for alleged match-fixing.
- The Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) pledged full cooperation with authorities while it moves forward with the league’s postseason.
- Several officials have expressed concern, though sentiment remains that the actions don't reflect the league as a whole.
The nine individuals aged between 19 and 35, including players in Singapore’s K. Star National Basketball League Division 1, allegedly fixed matches, including an Aug. 1 game between Tagawa and Tong Whye, according to the release.
Tong Whye finished the 2025 season as the league's lowest-seeded team after they dropped the allegedly fixed match 66-43. The league is set to go ahead with its postseason Wednesday, as the BAS, Singapore’s leading basketball body, brushed aside concerns about the integrity of its playoffs.
“Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, and match-fixing of any form is not condoned in Singapore,” the CPIB release outlined. “CPIB will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against any parties involved, if they have given, received, or offered bribes to fix a match.”
Eight of the individuals arrested are from Singapore, while the other is a permanent resident.
League, officials, react to news
The Straits Times, Singapore’s largest English-language newspaper, reported that the BAS says it will cooperate fully with authorities in the investigation.
“Discussions regarding the league are still underway, and we are unable to provide further details at this time,” the BAS told The Straits Times. “Once a decision has been reached, BAS will address the matter directly with the team managers.”
The BAS later acknowledged it “recognizes the gravity of the alleged match-fixing case,” according to a statement released the following day.
The Straits Times also reported that matches were being offered for betting on illegal gambling sites, with matches being live-streamed on a pay-per-view website as well.
Among those to express concern was Singapore’s former national team head coach Neo Beng Siang.
“Most people will be surprised that this has happened in our league,” Neo told The Straits Times. “Most times, even the team doesn’t know that this is happening. It could be just that one or two players that are involved and the rest of the team are not aware.
“It is sad that a couple of guys spoil the whole image of local basketball. We want to grow basketball in Singapore, and I hope that this situation does not lead to it being the downfall of the sport.”
An unnamed league official, who spoke with another Singapore-based news outlet, Channel News Asia, similarly expressed surprise at the news but shared Neo’s sentiment that the actions were likely “a few black sheep.”
Meanwhile, the BAS also expressed its concerns about the match-fixing arrests.
“We assure all stakeholders that, should any individual be found to have breached our ethical standards, decisive and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with our regulations,” the body said via a statement. “(We will take) efforts to strengthen education and awareness programmes for athletes, coaches, and officials.”
