Illegal foreign worker syndicate busted by MOM

41 people have been apprehended after the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) launched an islandwide enforcement blitz against a syndicate suspected of importing foreign workers illegally. Among those arrested included the alleged mastermind and syndicate members, said MOM in a statement today. According to Channel NewsAsia, the syndicate is believed to have set up shell companies to bring in the foreign workers, and would collect substantial amounts of kickbacks from the workers. MOM added that these workers had to settle their own upkeep as they did not have any actual employment. Some workers would also willingly pay large amounts of money in order to obtain a genuine work pass and would then seek illegal employment, said MOM. Syndicate members may face up to two years of jail, a fine of up to $6,000 for each illegal worker, or both, said the MOM. They also face caning if convicted of at least six similar offences. Photo: v1ctor Casale. via Flickr Done reading? Sit back, relax and watch Coconuts TV:   brightcove.createExperiences();