A 31-year-old woman from China has been sentenced to more than six months’ jail after entering into a fraudulent marriage with a Singaporean man in a bid to remain in Singapore.
According to Shin Min Daily News,The woman, identified as Zhong Fangyuan, pleaded guilty to offences under the Immigration Act, with additional charges taken into consideration during sentencing. The court heard that the arrangement was deliberately planned to bypass immigration controls, allowing her to stay in the country and pursue business opportunities.
Her actions were described as a serious abuse of Singapore’s immigration framework, which authorities have consistently enforced with strict penalties to deter such offences.
Negotiated Marriage Deal Included Cash Payments and Staged Living Arrangements
Court proceedings revealed that Zhong was introduced to 35-year-old Singaporean Zhou Peihao through a mutual contact in late 2023. The pair met to discuss a marriage of convenience, with an initial demand of S$80,000 made by the man.
After negotiations, both parties agreed on a structured payment arrangement totalling S$20,000. This included an upfront fee upon registration, followed by additional payments after the ceremony and subsequent instalments tied to her residency status.
To maintain the illusion of a legitimate marriage, Zhong requested Zhou to visit her residence at least once a week. Personal belongings were also placed in her home to create the impression of cohabitation, despite the couple not genuinely living together.
The marriage was formally registered at the end of November 2023, with a ceremonial celebration held shortly after at a venue along Beach Road. Payments were reportedly made in cash at each stage of the arrangement.
Authorities Uncover Scheme Following Enforcement Checks
The deception eventually came to light after enforcement checks were conducted by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority in mid-2024.
Officers visited both Zhong’s residence in Joo Chiat and Zhou’s home in Marsiling, where inconsistencies were discovered. Investigations confirmed that the couple were not living together as claimed.
Both individuals were subsequently arrested. By that time, Zhong had already paid S$20,000 under the agreed terms, while Zhou had assisted in securing multiple visit passes on her behalf.
During mitigation, Zhong’s lawyer highlighted her academic background and stated that she had intended to work and support herself legitimately. The court also heard that she had been dealing with depression and had sought treatment in both Singapore and China.
Despite these factors, the judge emphasised that sham marriages undermine immigration controls and are difficult to detect, warranting firm action. The case serves as a stark reminder that attempts to exploit legal frameworks for residency or business purposes in Singapore carry significant legal consequences.