Five men were indicted on Thursday ( Jul 25 ) for violations of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act ( EFMA ) that involved the illegal import of labor.
The five Singaporeans are accused of conspiring to submit work permits to foreigners under shell companies in exchange for money, according to 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 firms are alleged to have been established under these five Singaporeans ‘ brands.
” These businesses were non-operational, did not require the work of foreigners, and failed to use them after their appearance in Singapore,” said the government.  ,
17 other foreign nationals have also been charged with violating the EFMA.  ,
Most allegedly obtained job permits through these businesses without having any plans to work. Ten out of the 17 immigrants have been convicted and sentenced, added MOM.  ,
PENALTIES
Leong is the fifth of the five people to face 66 claims under the EFMA.  ,
Tan and Sim experience 55 and 18 charges both, while Neo and Cheng face 14 each.  ,
In accordance with the EFMA, those found guilty of obtaining work permits for foreign employees for a business that does not exist, is not in operation, or does not require the employment of such a foreign employee, are sentenced to six months in prison or two years in prison and are subject to fines of up to S$ 6, 000 ( US$ 4, 400 ) per charge.  ,
If convicted of six or more fees, punishment can also be imposed.
Companies 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 judgment, MOM perhaps even bar them from employing foreign employees.
Without a valid work permit, foreigners found guilty of working in Singapore may face fines of up to S$ 20,000, jail time in Singapore, or both. Upon judgment, the Manpower Ministry did likewise bar them from working in Singapore.
Those who are aware of such obscene employment practices should contact mom_fmmd]at ] mom with any information. gov. gs. All information provided may be kept completely confidential, said the government.  ,