n a major enforcement operation, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) arrested 13 individuals on June 5, 2024, for suspected Marriage of Convenience (MOC) related offences. The arrests, which included six Vietnamese women and seven Singaporean men aged between 22 and 32, were made during simultaneous raids on public and private residential premises across multiple locations in Singapore.
The operation was the culmination of rigorous investigations by ICA into a suspected syndicate arranging MOCs, which involve fake marriages to obtain immigration benefits in Singapore. In addition to the MOC-related offences, the individuals will also be investigated for possible false declaration offences in their Visit Pass applications.
All 13 subjects have been charged in court on June 6, 2024, and ICA will continue to investigate the MOC offences committed by the individuals. The authority takes a stern view of individuals who attempt to circumvent the system by engaging in or arranging MOCs, and those found guilty face penalties of up to S$10,000 in fines, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
ICA has reiterated its commitment to taking firm enforcement action against errant couples and middlemen involved in MOC scams. The authority encourages members of the public to report any suspected cases of MOC or immigration-related offences through its “Reporting of Immigration Offenders” online form, which can be accessed on the ICA website. All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
This operation serves as a warning to those who attempt to exploit Singapore’s immigration system for personal gain. ICA’s zero-tolerance approach towards MOC scams is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the country’s immigration policies and protecting the interests of genuine couples and individuals.