His solicitor, Mr Aaron Lee of Allen & Gledhill, had requested permission to leave the country for London, Boston for medical treatment, and Gibraltar and Spain for business.

Ong was scheduled to return to Singapore on November 9.

CNA contacted the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), the police and Ong’s lawyers last week and early this week about whether Ong had returned and handed over his passport to the investigating officer as required.

Ong’s spokesman declined to comment.

The first pre-trial conference in Ong’s case was held in chambers – away from the public and media, as is usually the case – before District Judge Chee Min Ping on Friday morning.

The defense was ordered to make no statement by 29 November. If the prosecution receives any statements by this date, it must respond by December 20.

The statements refer to letters sent by the defense to the AGC regarding criminal investigations or trials.

Often the defense will present reasons for their desired outcome in the case by asking for the AGC’s agreement.

If representations are successful, they may result in charges being dismissed, charges reduced, or more unusual outcomes (dismissal of the case altogether).

A second pre-trial conference for Ong is scheduled for January 3, 2025.

If found guilty of the charge of abetting Iswaran’s acquisition of valuables under Section 165 of the Penal Code, Ong could face up to two years in prison, a fine or both.

If convicted of obstructing justice, on the charge under Section 204A, Ong could face up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine or both.