A 51-year-old Singaporean man has been sentenced to 15 weeks’ imprisonment after paying S$6,000 to facilitate a sham marriage arrangement so that his girlfriend, a Chinese national, could extend her stay in Singapore.
The case involved multiple individuals and was uncovered after authorities investigated a suspected immigration-related offence linked to a marriage of convenience.
According to court documents, the man, identified as Ye Yongjian, pleaded guilty to one charge under Singapore’s immigration laws, reported Lianhe Zaobao.
Fake Marriage Arrangement To Extend Stay In Singapore
The scheme began after Ye met his girlfriend in December 2021, with the couple entering into a romantic relationship in early 2022.
His girlfriend, a 33-year-old Chinese national, later expressed her intention to remain in Singapore for a longer period after her work permit situation became uncertain.
To achieve this, a plan was allegedly formed involving a third party Singaporean man who agreed to enter into a sham marriage in exchange for monthly payments.
The arrangement included a compensation structure reportedly starting at S$1,000 per month, later increased during negotiations.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) approved the marriage application in June 2022, even though suspicions were not immediately raised at that stage.
Groom Paid Monthly And Ceremony Witnessed By Multiple Parties
Investigations revealed that Ye played a direct role in facilitating the arrangement, including assisting with logistics for the wedding ceremony.
He reportedly helped book a restaurant for the wedding and also used his credit card to purchase a wedding ring for the event.
During the ceremony held on 9 July 2022, Ye even served as one of the witnesses, alongside another individual involved in the arrangement.
He also provided a red packet containing S$108 to the solemniser during the wedding proceedings.
Authorities later found that Ye had paid a total of S$6,000 in four instalments between July and October 2022 on behalf of his girlfriend, which was subsequently repaid in cash.
Investigation Leads To Multiple Arrests And Jail Sentences
The case eventually came to light during investigations by immigration authorities, although the exact trigger for the probe was not disclosed in court documents.
Following enforcement action, multiple individuals involved in the arrangement were charged and sentenced.
The Singaporean man who acted as the groom in the sham marriage was earlier sentenced to six months and two weeks in jail.
The girlfriend and another accomplice involved in coordinating the arrangement were each sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.
Ye was arrested in March 2024 and later sentenced to 15 weeks’ jail for his involvement in facilitating the offence.
Authorities Warn Against Marriage Of Convenience Schemes
Authorities in Singapore have consistently warned that sham marriages intended to bypass immigration rules are a serious offence.
Such arrangements are considered fraudulent under Singapore law and can lead to imprisonment, fines, and long-term immigration consequences for all parties involved.
Officials reiterated that immigration systems rely heavily on truthful declarations and that attempts to exploit them will be dealt with firmly.
The case adds to a growing list of enforcement actions targeting marriage-of-convenience schemes used to extend or secure residency rights in Singapore.