Singapore's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has reported a significant decline in corruption-related incidents, with only 215 reports received in the past year, marking an 8% decrease from 2022. The anti-graft agency assured the public that the situation in Singapore remains "firmly under control.

Among the 215 reports received, 81 were deemed worthy of investigation, signifying a serious pursuit of actionable leads. Notably, the majority of cases investigated in 2023 were rooted in the private sector, comprising 86% of the total, while the remaining 14% involved public sector entities.

Remarkably, CPIB disclosed that nine instances involved public sector employees steadfastly rejecting bribes offered by private sector individuals, underscoring the commitment to integrity within Singapore's governmental framework.

In terms of investigative efficiency, CPIB boasted an impressive completion rate, wrapping up inquiries into 84% of individuals under scrutiny. Legal proceedings resulted in the prosecution of 111 individuals in 2023, with 105 originating from the private sector and the remainder being public sector employees. Moreover, the conviction rate for CPIB cases held steady at 99%, a testament to the efficacy of investigations and collaborative efforts with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

CPIB emphasized its unwavering dedication to combat corruption, citing notable cases from the previous year involving high-ranking officials such as a director-general at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and former Transport Minister S Iswaran. This commitment extends to fostering partnerships across all sectors of society to uphold Singapore's reputation as a corruption-free nation.

Notably, Transparency International's 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Singapore as the fifth least corrupt country globally, affirming the effectiveness of ongoing anti-corruption efforts.

In conclusion, Singapore's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has demonstrated remarkable success in combating corruption, as evidenced by the significant decrease in reported incidents and the high conviction rate of cases. With a strong emphasis on integrity and collaboration across sectors, CPIB remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving Singapore's reputation as one of the world's least corrupt nations. As the nation continues its vigilant stance against corruption, supported by transparent investigations and robust legal proceedings, Singapore stands poised to maintain its status as a beacon of integrity on the global stage.