Singaporeans 'conspired to submit work pass applications for foreigners,' says MOM
Five Singaporeans are facing multiple charges for their alleged involvement in an illegal labour importation syndicate, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said.
MOM said it charged Tan Tai Ji, Leong Kwai Tong, Sim Kian Boon, Terence, Neo Hock Guan Roy, and Cheng Tee How under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).
According to MOM, these individuals allegedly "conspired to submit work pass applications for foreigners" under 13 shell companies that were under their names for monetary gains.
"These companies were non-operational, did not require the employment of foreigners, and failed to employ them after their arrival in Singapore," MOM said in a statement.
Leong faced the highest number of charges with 66, followed by Tan with 55. Sim is facing 18 charges, while Neo and Cheng are both facing 14 charges each.
Persons convicted of obtaining work passes for foreign employees for shell companies and failing to employ these foreign employees can be imprisoned between six months and two years, and get fined by up to $6,000 per charge.
"If convicted of six or more charges, caning can also be imposed," MOM said, citing EFMA, in a statement.
Employers who are also found guilty of hiring foreigners without work passes can get fined between $5,000 and $30,000, as well as imprisoned for up to 12 months. They may also get banned from hiring foreign workers.
Meanwhile, the ministry said that 10 out 17 charged foreigners have ben convicted and sentenced after most of them obtained work passes through the shell companies without intending to work.
