SINGAPORE – In a scandal that has sent shockwaves through the local community, a former operations manager at a conservancy company has been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison for orchestrating an extensive scheme to siphon off S$396,440 (approximately US$295,000) in illegal kickbacks from migrant workers over a six-year period.

Ho Chiak Hock Derrick, 55, pleaded guilty to 20 charges, with an additional 41 charges considered during sentencing. This case is being described by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) as one of the largest and most egregious kickback scenarios to date.

Ho was employed at Lian Cheng Contracting, where he exploited his position to illegally demand payments from migrant workers for their work permit renewals and to secure their continued employment. Astonishingly, amounts he pocketed ranged from S$1,500 to a staggering S$15,500 from each of the affected workers.

MOM reported that Ho used several tactics to collect these funds, either directly or through a former colleague named Rakibul. He also enlisted the aid of three migrant workers – Shamim, Dhar Newton, and Ahamed Rana – to help in these illegal collections. In a swift response, MOM has warned and barred these accomplices from further employment in Singapore.

The shocking scale of Ho's activities spanned from 2014 to 2020, impacting a total of 57 migrant workers, many of whom rely heavily on their incomes to support families back home. Such exploitation not only violates labor laws but also perpetuates the vulnerability of migrant workers—a concern that has been raised repeatedly within the community.

In a statement, Adrian Quek, divisional director of MOM's Foreign Manpower Management Division, emphasized the seriousness of these offenses, declaring, "We take a serious view of employers demanding payments from workers as a condition of employment, which is reprehensible and illegal." He reinforced the ministry’s commitment to rigorously investigate such cases, following a tip-off that sparked the inquiry into Ho’s activities.

In a fortunate twist, Lian Cheng’s senior management claimed they were unaware of Ho’s illicit actions, stating he acted solely on his own initiatives. However, the ministry's investigation remains a vital reminder that such unethical practices can exist even in reputable companies.

As authorities ramp up efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitative labor practices, MOM has pledged to take stringent action against individuals and companies involved in similar schemes. This case serves as a stark warning: anyone caught engaging in exploitative practices will face severe consequences, including bans from applying for or renewing work passes.

Stay alert and spread the word—no one deserves to be exploited!