SINGAPORE:

A 33-year-old man, Muhammad Fariz Shaik Sha Marican, has stunned the nation after swindling his employer out of a staggering $24,000 through an elaborate scheme of fraudulent expense claims. The case, reported by the Straits Times, reveals an astonishing level of deception, as Fariz submitted an array of fake documents, including Grab receipts and even medical certificates, to justify his absences and inflate his earnings.

Details of the Fraud

From July 2022 to April 2023, Fariz submitted 228 fake Grab receipts for rides he never took, netting himself $9,526.60. Not stopping there, he had previously orchestrated a similar con between December 2021 and June 2022, where he deceived the company out of over $6,900 through an additional 234 fraudulent receipts.

As if this weren't enough, Fariz also submitted falsified timesheets during the same period, claiming an inflated number of work hours on eight occasions in order to receive an additional $7,700 in overtime pay. To lend an air of authenticity to his claims, he forged the signature of a former supervisor.

To further bolster his façade, Fariz created false medical certificates and even fabricated an electronic letter purportedly from the Singapore Armed Forces, hoping to convince his employer that he was unfit for work on those days.

How Was the Fraud Exposed?

Fariz was employed at a recruitment agency, PersolKelly (PSK), and lent his skills to the Ministry of Health (MOH) for Covid-19 operations as a temporary staff member. Plans to transition him to a permanent position were underway when discrepancies in his leave balance raised suspicions during a routine check by the MOH.

Upon reviewing his submitted claims, it became apparent that Fariz's reported amounts to PSK far exceeded those recorded with the ministry. The investigation kicked off, and as pressure mounted, Fariz confessed his wrongdoing in a letter addressed to the MOH in May 2023. He has since pleaded guilty to two counts of forgery.

Seeking Justice: Prosecutors Demand Tough Sentence

The prosecution is calling for a prison sentence of six to eight months, citing the extensive duration of the fraudulent activities spanning over 18 months, and suggesting that Fariz had numerous opportunities to come clean but chose to persist in his dishonest ways.

Defending Fariz, lawyer Derek Tan argued that his client is a first-time offender who has already fully reimbursed PSK for the fraudulent claims, insisting that the money was not used for personal gain. However, the presiding judge, Christopher Goh, emphasized that intent to deceive for financial advantage qualifies as fraud, regardless of the actual usage of the funds.

The final decision regarding sentencing has been deferred to November 28 for further consideration.

Public Reaction: A Mix of Amusement and Horror

The case has ignited a flurry of reactions online, with users expressing disbelief at the extent of Fariz’s deception. Some took to social media to poke fun, stating that he had redefined ‘laziness’ in a way few could imagine. Comments ranged from amazement at his elaborate schemes to scorn over his blatant disregard for ethics, especially considering he was cheating the Ministry of Health itself.

One commentator couldn’t help but laugh, remarking, “Fake MCs and an official-looking SAF letter just to dodge work? That’s serious dedication... to slacking!”

Another chimed in with a tinge of irony, “The fact that he cheated MOH of all places is just too much!”

As this case continues to develop, it serves as a cautionary tale about the lengths some individuals will go to avoid work, leaving many to wonder: what’s next in the saga of workplace fraud?