Nine arrested for suspected match-fixing in Singapore’s K Star National Basketball League

SINGAPORE — Nine individuals have been arrested by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) for their suspected involvement in fixing matches in Singapore’s 2025 K Star National Basketball League Division 1.

The arrests, announced on 19 August, involved eight Singaporeans and one permanent resident, aged between 19 and 35.

CPIB confirmed that some of those arrested were players from teams competing in the ongoing league, which is organised by the Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS).

Details of the suspected match

According to CPIB, one of the games under investigation took place on 1 August between Tagawa and Tong Whye.

In that match, Tagawa defeated Tong Whye 66–43, as reported in a BAS Facebook update.

The Bureau has not disclosed specific details of how the game was allegedly manipulated or which individuals were directly involved.

About the basketball league

The K Star National Basketball League Division 1 tournament runs from 14 July to 30 August.

The top-flight competition features 10 teams, including Adroit, SBA, Tagawa, Chong Ghee, Eng Tat Hornets, SG Basketball, Siglap Basketball Club, Xin Hua Tung San, and Tong Whye.

The league awards cash prizes of S$4,000, S$2,000, and S$1,000 to the top three teams. Authorities did not specify whether these incentives are related to the ongoing investigation.

CPIB reiterates zero-tolerance policy

In a statement, CPIB reaffirmed Singapore’s firm stance against corruption and match-fixing, stressing that such offences undermine integrity in sport.

“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,” the bureau said.

The Bureau added that investigations are being conducted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which carries severe penalties for bribery-related offences.

Broader implications for Singapore sport

The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny over sports integrity and the protection of fair competition in Singapore.

While match-fixing cases are uncommon in local basketball, authorities have previously dealt with corruption-related offences in football and other sports.

Observers note that the case could prompt tighter oversight in amateur and semi-professional leagues, especially those involving prize money or betting interest.

The Basketball Association of Singapore has yet to issue a formal comment on the arrests.