In November 2017, the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) commenced investigations into an alleged criminal syndicate that used nine business entities, comprising both training providers and employer companies, to make training grant claims with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). Close to $40 million of training grants was paid out by SSG to the nine business entities over six months.
To date, a total of 13 persons have been charged in Court for offences that include cheating, forgery, money laundering and perversion of justice.
Of these 13, four were key members who had fled Singapore before CAD had commenced investigations. In the ensuing months, CAD worked closely with its foreign counterparts to track their whereabouts. With the cooperation and assistance of our foreign counterparts in China, Hong Kong and Malaysia, all four are currently back in Singapore to face charges.
On 28 January 2019, additional charges, including criminal conspiracy, cheating, use of forged documents, and failure to exercise reasonable diligence as Directors of the business entities, will be tendered against the four who had previously fled and three others from the group of 13 persons.
Director CAD, Mr David Chew said, “Crime is increasingly complex and transnational, and we need to collaborate closely with law enforcement partners overseas to bring criminals to justice. The successful return of the suspects to Singapore is testament to our strong partnership with our foreign counterparts. I would like to extend my appreciation to the China Ministry of Public Security, Hong Kong Police Force and Royal Malaysian Police for their strong support to CAD in this transnational investigation and enforcement effort.”
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
27 January 2019 @ 6:00 PM