The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) finally got some justice after the mastermind of one of the largest work permit scams in Singapore has finally been jailed. Filipino national Celeste Provido Apostol has been sentenced to serve 16 months in jail for engaging in a conspiracy to make false declarations in work pass applications. She pleaded guilty to 16 charges.
The scam involved cheating MOM into giving work permits to foreigners who just want to stay in Singapore. Celeste would conspire with 'recruiters' who sourced for foreigners who were in need of work permits to validate their stay here, and locals who were willing to provide their particulars as 'employers'.