{
  "id": 5503119,
  "title": "2 directors in construction sector allegedly made fraudulent CPF contributions to locals not under employment to inflate foreign worker quotas",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/2-directors-in-construction-sector-allegedly-made-fraudulent-cpf",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T06:10:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/09/mom-arrest-suspected-employment-related-offences/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two directors in the construction industry are under investigation by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for alleged fraudulent Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions to local individuals not under their employment, in an attempt to inflate foreign worker quotas for their companies. They are suspected of bringing in migrant workers through these inflated quotas. A total of four individuals from the construction sector, including two company directors and two staff members, were arrested during a MOM enforcement operation on September 2. The investigation is part of a larger probe into 21 other individuals believed to be involved in similar illegal practices. Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), making false declarations in work pass applications can result in fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. MOM will also bar convicted individuals or entities from employing foreign workers. Those who collude with companies by providing their details for fraudulent CPF contributions to inflate foreign worker quotas may also face prosecution for abetting false declarations, punishable by fines of up to S$20,000, up to two years in jail, or both. The collection of employment-related kickbacks is also an offence punishable with fines of up to S$30,000, up to two years in jail, or both. MOM urges the public not to accept CPF contributions from businesses they are not working for, as this could lead to aiding in false declaration offences by errant employers. The public is encouraged to report any suspected EFMA violations to MOM online.",
  "summary": "They were arrested on Sep. 2, 2026.",
  "key_points": [
    "Two construction directors investigated for fraudulent CPF contributions.",
    "Four individuals arrested, including two directors and two staff.",
    "Violations punishable with fines up to S$30,000 or imprisonment."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This development signals a stricter enforcement of regulations in the construction sector, putting companies and individuals on notice that fraudulent practices in hiring foreign workers will be prosecuted and penalized.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}