Failure to monitor foreign worker applications leads to jail time for company boss

A district court in Singapore recently dealt with a case involving fraudulent work pass applications, where a company director was convicted of neglect for his role in an illegal scheme. The case centred on whether the director could be held liable for offences committed by companies under his control.

The director argued that he was merely a figurehead who provided his credentials when requested without knowing the details of the applications. He claimed that workers were put on "stand-by" pending the commencement of business operations, which were delayed due to issues with contractors.

He also attempted to shift blame to regulatory authorities for approving the applications despite the businesses not being operational, arguing that he shouldn't be held responsible for systemic failures.

Work pass fraud scheme exposed

The illegal scheme ran from January to October 2018 and involved obtaining Performance Artiste work passes for foreign employees who were never meant to be employed. The mastermind and his accomplice used companies including Comgo Pte Ltd and Liquid Kitty Pte Ltd to facilitate their plan.

Court documents revealed that the conspirators "engaged in a conspiracy to bring foreign citizens into Singapore on Performing Artiste work passes to be 'employed' by various companies. In reality, these companies did not actually require such PAs, and the foreigners brought in on such work...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuwFBVV95cUxPRzhnNkhiWEJLYmZ3Tm5fQWli...