5 men charged over involvement in illegal labour importation syndicate

SINGAPORE: Five men were charged on Thursday (Jul 25) for offences involving the illegal importation of labour under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).

The five Singaporeans are alleged to have conspired to submit work pass applications for foreigners under shell companies in exchange for monetary payment, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in a press release. 

They are: Tan Tai Ji, 42; Leong Kwai Tong, 53; Sim Kian Boon Terence, 35; Neo Hock Guan Roy, 46 and Cheng Tee Howe, 40. 

“A total of 13 shell companies are alleged to have been set up under these five Singaporeans’ names.

“These companies were non-operational, did not require the employment of foreigners, and failed to employ them after their arrival in Singapore,” said the ministry. 

A total of 17 foreigners have also been charged for offences under the EFMA. 

Most were alleged to have obtained work passes through these companies without having an intention to work. Ten out of the 17 foreigners have been convicted and sentenced, added MOM. 

PENALTIES

Leong faces 66 charges under the EFMA, the most number of charges among the five men. 

Tan and Sim face 55 and 18 charges respectively, while Neo and Cheng face 14 each. 

Under the EFMA, those convicted of obtaining work passes for foreign employees for a business that does not exist, that is not in operation or that does not require the employment of such a foreign employee, and fails to employ the foreign employee, can be jailed for between six months and two years, and fined up to S$6,000 (US$4,400) per charge. 

If convicted of six or more charges, caning can also be imposed.

Employers who are convicted of employing foreigners without a valid work pass face a fine of between S$5,000 and S$30,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. 

Upon conviction, MOM may also bar them from employing foreign workers.

Foreigners convicted of working in Singapore without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine not exceeding S$20,000, jail for up to two years, or both. Upon conviction, the Manpower Ministry will also bar them from working in Singapore.

Those who are aware of such suspicious employment activities should report the matter via mom_fmmd [at] mom.gov.sg. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential, said the ministry.