World · Singapore Bureau
Four arrested in Singapore for phantom worker employment scam
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has arrested four individuals suspected of making false employment declarations and pocketing kickbacks in a scheme involving non-existent workers.
LSN Singapore ·
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has arrested four people in connection with employment-related offences involving what authorities describe as 'phantom workers'. The individuals are suspected of submitting false declarations to authorities while unlawfully collecting employment-related kickbacks.
The arrests mark the latest enforcement action against employment fraud schemes in Singapore. Phantom worker schemes typically involve employers or intermediaries claiming to hire workers who do not actually exist or are not genuinely employed, allowing perpetrators to claim government benefits or other financial entitlements fraudulently.
MOM has intensified scrutiny of employment practices across various sectors to combat such schemes. The ministry regularly conducts investigations into suspected breaches of employment laws, including false declarations and fraudulent claims.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing. Offenders found guilty of making false declarations to MOM and unlawfully collecting kickbacks face potential criminal charges, with penalties including fines and imprisonment depending on the severity of the offences.
The public is encouraged to report suspected employment violations to MOM through its official channels. Tip-offs can be submitted confidentially and play a crucial role in helping authorities maintain compliance and protect legitimate workers and employers in Singapore.