Teo Siong Seng expands leave of absence to include roles at NUS, shipping company PIL after US indictment

Mr Teo had purportedly written in response to the executive’s report on the meeting that “we also need to keep low key”.

When another Singamas board member said in an email that the discussions “appeared to be anti-competition” and suggested deleting the email string, Mr Teo allegedly wrote back saying: “Yes I feel the same.”

Apart from Singamas, other companies allegedly involved in the conspiracy were China International Marine Containers (Group), Shanghai Universal Logistics Equipment Co, which owns Dong Fang International Containers, and CXIC Group Containers Co.

The indictments come during a period of heightened trade and political tensions between Washington and Beijing, with logistical infrastructure increasingly scrutinised through the lens of economic security.

If found guilty, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison and a US$1 million fine for individuals and a US$100 million fine for corporations.

The fines may be raised to twice the gains from the crime or losses suffered by victims if those amounts exceed the statutory maximum.