A person from billionaire Ong Beng Seng’s inner circle was behind the purchase of a superyacht previously owned by Google co-founder Sergey Brin, according to people familiar with the matter.
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The 73-metre (240 foot) Capricorn was transferred to a new holding company in late October, according to filings reviewed by Bloomberg, which did not disclose the ultimate beneficial owner. The people did not identify or give further details about the buyer. Earlier that month, the real estate tycoon had been charged in a political scandal that stunned Singapore.
As an accused person, Ong was required to stay in Singapore while on bail and apply for the court’s permission to leave the country. A visit to the luxury vessel was on his itinerary during a court-approved trip, though it is unclear whether he stepped on board, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information.
The superyacht shows how one of the richest people in the Asian financial hub carried on with a luxurious lifestyle even as his legal troubles in the city state peaked.
The Malaysian tycoon, who along with Bernie Ecclestone brought Formula One night racing to Singapore in 2008, was fined S$30,000 (US$23,285) last month after being convicted of abetting former Singapore transport minister and long-time friend S. Iswaran in obstructing the course of justice.
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Prosecutors said Ong in 2023 helped to bill Iswaran for a S$5,700 business class ticket while authorities were investigating the matter.