MOM arrests 14 over suspected employment offences in case involving alleged criminal syndicate

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has arrested 14 people over suspected employment-related offences in an investigation into a case the ministry believes may involve a criminal syndicate.

The arrests were made during an enforcement operation conducted across multiple locations on 21 July 2026.

The 14 subjects comprise four company directors, nine foreign workers from the companies and one key appointment holder from an employment agency, according to MOM.

The individuals are being investigated for suspected offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), including false declarations and the collection of employment-related kickbacks.

MOM is also investigating suspected offences under the Employment Agencies Act (EAA) involving unlicensed employment agency activities.

The ministry said the case may involve a criminal syndicate but did not provide details on why it believes organised criminal activity may be involved or how the suspects are allegedly linked.

Suspected inflated foreign worker quotas

According to MOM, the four directors are suspected of bringing migrant workers into Singapore through inflated foreign worker quotas.

The ministry is also investigating suspected fraudulent Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions made to 139 locals who are not employed by the companies involved.

MOM described these individuals as "phantom workers".

Phantom workers are individuals declared as employees of a company and for whom CPF contributions are made, despite not actually working for the firm.

According to the ministry, the 139 locals may have been recruited to inflate the companies' foreign worker quotas.

The alleged arrangement is being investigated as part of the wider case involving suspected false declarations and other employment-related offences.

MOM has not disclosed how many migrant workers may have been brought into Singapore through allegedly inflated foreign worker quotas.

The ministry has also not stated whether any work passes connected to the investigation have been revoked or suspended.

Penalties for suspected employment offences

Under the EFMA, people found guilty of making false declarations in work pass applications may be fined up to S$20,000, sentenced to up to two years' imprisonment, or both.

MOM will also bar entities or individuals convicted of such offences from employing foreign workers.

Those who allegedly collude with companies by providing their particulars for fraudulent CPF contributions to inflate foreign worker quotas may also be prosecuted for abetment of false declaration.

If convicted, they may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

The collection of employment-related kickbacks is also an offence under the EFMA.

Those convicted of collecting such kickbacks may face a fine of up to S$30,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Separate penalties apply to unlicensed employment agency activities under the EAA.

Those found guilty of operating an employment agency without a licence may face a fine of up to S$80,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

MOM urges public to report suspicious activities

MOM reminded members of the public not to accept CPF contributions from businesses where they are not employed.

The ministry said individuals who accept such contributions may be guilty of aiding in false declaration offences committed by errant employers.

Members of the public who are aware of suspicious employment activities, or who know of people or employers who may have contravened the EFMA, are advised to report the matter to MOM.

The ministry said reports can be made through its eService, "Report an infringement".

MOM added that all information provided through the reporting channel will be kept strictly confidential.