In a dramatic turn of events in Singapore, two Filipino women found themselves behind bars after being caught in a scheme involving forged university certificates to secure employment passes.

Unmasking the Fraudsters: Almira and Alyssa

Twenty-nine-year-olds Conol Almira Joy Torres and Torres Alyssa Riva Fernan were sentenced to jail time—with Almira receiving six weeks and Alyssa four weeks in prison. Their fraudulent applications not only misrepresented their qualifications but also artificially inflated their expected salaries.

The Scheme Unfolds: How It All Happened

Almira, who had previously been employed through a Philippine agent named "Cory," sought new opportunities in September 2020. She was promised a lavish salary of S$5,800 (US$4,500) for a role as an assistant sales manager at CL Enterprise—despite knowing she had no legitimate qualifications from Ateneo De Manila University.

Despite working for 15 months at a monthly salary of S$2,200, Almira willingly signed off on false declarations of her pay and credentials, putting her on a collision course with the law.

Alyssa's Connection: The Payment that Sealed Her Fate

Alyssa's journey into this world of deceit started when she was introduced to Cory by Almira. Also lured by the prospect of a well-paid job as an assistant operations manager, Alyssa took a loan back home to pay Cory S$4,500 for her application. Like Almira, she too submitted a forged degree from De La Salle University.

The Investigation: A Coincidental Discovery

The plot unraveled when the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) initiated an investigation in February 2022, following rumors of possible infringements of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. This was primarily triggered by a random inspection of CL Enterprise, which exposed the women's fraudulent declarations.

The Serious Consequences of Their Actions

Both women faced prosecution that highlighted the broader implications of their actions, as they deprived legitimate candidates of job opportunities. The prosecution argued for longer sentences, emphasizing the challenges of detection in such cases.

What Lies Ahead for the Employer?

In the aftermath, questions have arisen regarding the employer's responsibility, with inquiries being made to MOM regarding their detection methods during employment pass applications. This raises critical concerns about potential systemic gaps in the recruitment process.

Navigating the Legal Ramifications

Under Singaporean law, the gravity of their offenses could have resulted in a maximum of two years in prison, alongside hefty fines. As the dust settles, this case serves as a cautionary tale for foreign workers and recruiters alike, reminding them that the consequences of deceit can be far-reaching.