10 arrested, 41 assisting in MOM's probe into employment-related offences in Singapore

An island-wide operation uncovered a suspected "phantom worker" scheme used to inflate work pass quotas, with more than 90 individuals under investigation.

On 31 March 2026, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) arrested 10 individuals for their suspected involvement in fraudulent work pass applications, following an island-wide enforcement operation.

Among those arrested were directors and employees from five construction companies. Another 41 individuals are assisting in investigations for their suspected involvement in similar illegal arrangements.

In addition to the above, MOM said it is probing the Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions of another group of more than 40 individuals in relation to these five companies.

Preliminary investigations found that the companies had allegedly made CPF contributions to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who were not under their employment. These individuals, often referred to as "phantom workers", were used to inflate the companies' local workforce numbers.

This allowed the companies to increase their quota to hire foreign workers. The inflated quota was then used to submit work pass applications to MOM.

Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990, any person convicted of making false declarations in work pass applications may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Work pass privileges may also be suspended, and the work pass applicant may be barred from working in Singapore.

MOM also reminded that ndividuals who collude with companies by providing their particulars for fraudulent CPF contributions to meet work pass requirements may also be prosecuted.

The ministry urged members of the public who are aware of illegal employment activities, such as receiving CPF contributions from companies they are not working for, to report the matter to MOM via its "Report an infringement" eService. All information provided will be kept confidential.

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