MHA Statement on Detention of Dan Tan Seet Eng

1. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that the Minister for Home Affairs has issued a Detention Order in respect of Dan Tan Seet Eng ("Dan Tan") on 5 December 2015 for his involvement in global soccer match-fixing, pursuant to section 30 of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (CLTPA).

2. In its judgment issued on 25 November 2015, the Court of Appeal accepted that Detention Orders can be issued under the CLTPA for match-fixing activities. Match fixing activities were specifically considered by Parliament in November 2013 when the CLTPA was debated and extended till October 2019. The Court of Appeal ruled that the grounds of detention must, on the face of it, show that the activities have a bearing on public safety, peace and good order in Singapore, and were considered serious by the Minister.

3. The Court of Appeal also ruled that the Detention Order which had been issued on 2 October 2013 against Dan Tan, under the CLTPA, had to be set aside because the grounds stated in the Detention Order were defective. The grounds for detention stated in the Detention Order, did not, in the Court of Appeal's view, expressly show that Dan Tan's activities had a bearing on the public safety, peace and good order within Singapore.

4. MHA respects and accepts the Court of Appeal's judgement.

5. The new Detention Order which has been issued against Dan Tan, expressly sets out the grounds which show the extent of Dan Tan's match-fixing activities from and within Singapore, and why this necessitates the issuance of a Detention Order under the CLTPA. The grounds set out the seriousness of Dan Tan's criminal activities over many years, their impact on public safety, peace and good order within Singapore, and the fact that he has intimidated witnesses to the extent that they continue to be unwilling to testify against him for fear of reprisal.

6. MHA has obtained the consent of the Public Prosecutor in issuing the new Detention Order against Dan Tan.