In a recent case that has sent shockwaves through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), a foreign businessman, Zhang Qingqiao, found himself in hot water for making a false declaration to obtain an employment pass with ulterior motives.
“S$360,000 investment to get Singaporean citizenship”
Zhang Qingqiao, a 37-year-old Chinese national, had a long-term ambition – to migrate his entire family to Singapore and eventually attain permanent residency and Singaporean citizenship. However, his chosen path to achieving this goal was far from conventional.
A Shady Deal
Around July 2019, Zhang crossed paths with Wang Jue, who went by the name Jess. Wang, it turns out, had concocted a fraudulent investment scheme that piqued Zhang’s interest. Instead of opting for a straightforward investment plan of S$2 million, which could have purportedly granted him PR status within three years, Zhang decided to take the less laborious route.
The ‘Zero-Returns’ Investment
Under this dubious agreement, Zhang agreed to “invest” S$360,000 in a company known as MW Dynamics. In return, he would assume the role of an employment pass holder within the company, drawing a seemingly attractive monthly salary of S$10,000. The catch? He wouldn’t have to lift a finger or contribute any meaningful work to the company.
The Motive
The primary aim of this peculiar “zero-returns” investment was to legitimize Zhang’s stay in Singapore. The scheme allowed him to obtain an employment pass under MW Dynamics, even though he had no intention of actively working for the company.
The False Declaration
To set his plan in motion, Zhang submitted a deceptive declaration form for an employment pass to the Controller of Work Passes in September 2019. In this document, he falsely claimed that he would be employed by MW Dynamics as a business development director, earning the aforementioned S$10,000 monthly salary. Shockingly, this application was approved.
The Legal Battle
During the subsequent legal proceedings, the prosecution sought a sentence of four to six weeks’ jail for Zhang, while his defense lawyers, Mr. Sunil Sudheesan and Ms. Joyce Khoo of Quahe Woo & Palmer, requested a fine as an alternative.
Judge’s Remarks
Principal District Judge Victor Yeo presided over the case and delivered his verdict. He pointed out that the evidence clearly demonstrated Zhang’s intent to use the investment as a means to secure an employment pass. Judge Yeo found Zhang’s claims of not understanding English and placing unwavering trust in Wang unconvincing, considering his extensive experience as a businessman.
Implications on Immigration Policy
The deception carried on for approximately 18 months and directly contradicted MOM’s framework for issuing employment passes. Judge Yeo emphasized that this case had wider implications on immigration policy, which cannot be taken lightly.
Defense’s Argument
The defense argued that this case differed from typical instances under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, which typically involve false qualifications or unscrupulous employers seeking monetary gain. However, Judge Yeo countered this claim, citing that MW Dynamics had indeed received a substantial sum of money from Zhang.
The Appeal
Zhang Qingqiao has expressed his intention to appeal against his conviction and sentence, further prolonging the legal battle.
Potential Repercussions
Notably, Wang Jue, the mastermind behind the fraudulent investment scheme, could potentially face criminal proceedings for aiding Zhang in his employment pass application. As for Zhang, he faced a potential sentence of up to two years in jail, a fine of up to S$20,000, or a combination of both for making false declarations on his employment pass application.
In conclusion, Zhang Qingqiao’s case serves as a cautionary tale of the lengths some individuals may go to in their pursuit of residency and citizenship in a foreign land. It also highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of immigration policies, ensuring that such loopholes are not exploited for personal gain.
