8 public officers referred to police over purchase of properties near unannounced MRT stations: Chan Chun Sing

The Singapore government has referred eight public officers to the police following allegations raised in a study by the American non-profit National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). The study claimed to have identified a pattern where mid-level civil servants purchased homes near MRT stations before their locations were publicly announced.

In Parliament on October 6, 2026, Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing revealed that the government had reviewed property transactions involving 191 officers so far, with additional checks ongoing. For each transaction, the Singapore Public Service Division (PSD) examined various factors, including the officer's role at the time, whether they had access to non-public information, and the circumstances surrounding the transaction.

Eight cases have been referred to the police, but Chan stressed that the referrals do not imply wrongdoing. He emphasized that the police will conduct an independent investigation and adhere to due process. The government has put safeguards in place to prevent misuse of non-public government information, such as limiting access to sensitive data, requiring officers to declare property purchases, and seeking approval for transactions involving non-public information.

The government will review the effectiveness of these safeguards and make necessary adjustments to protect the integrity of public officers and maintain public trust.