Operations manager jailed 24 weeks for collecting S$396,440 in kickbacks from migrant workers

Ho Chiak Hock Derrick, a 55-year-old Singaporean, was sentenced to 24 weeks’ imprisonment on 14 November 2024 for collecting kickbacks totalling S$396,440 from 57 migrant workers.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) described the case as one of the largest kickback investigations to date.

Ho, who worked as an operations manager for Lian Cheng Contracting Pte Ltd, was charged with 61 counts under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).

He pleaded guilty to 20 charges, with 41 additional charges considered during sentencing.

Details of the offence

Between 2014 and 2020, Ho collected illegal payments ranging from $1,500 to $15,500 per worker.

The payments were demanded in exchange for the renewal of work permits or continued employment with Lian Cheng.

The company’s management was unaware of Ho’s actions, which he carried out independently.

Ho enlisted the assistance of a colleague, Rakibul, and three migrant workers—Shamim, Dhar Newton, and Ahamed Rana—who held supervisory roles. These individuals were warned and barred from further employment in Singapore.

MOM’s response

Speaking on the case, Mr Adrian Quek, Divisional Director at MOM’s Foreign Manpower Management Division, emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance stance on kickbacks.

He said: “This is one of the largest cases of kickbacks investigated by MOM to date. We take a serious view of employers demanding payments from workers as a condition of employment, which is reprehensible and illegal.”

MOM has pledged continued action against violators, including barring them from applying for or renewing work passes.

Support and reporting channels

Migrant workers who suspect they are being coerced into paying kickbacks are encouraged to seek help by contacting MOM at 6438 5122 or through the official website (go.gov.sg/reportinfringement).

They can also reach out to the Migrant Workers’ Centre at 6536 2692.

Members of the public who become aware of illegal employment practices are urged to report these activities to MOM. All information provided will remain strictly confidential.