Employer, however, receives stern warning after lapse under WICA
Authorities in Singapore have cleared a former Sumo Salad employee who was accused by her ex-employer of cheating and filing a fraudulent work injury compensation claim, concluding that they found no evidence to support either allegation.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed their findings on the case on Monday.
"Upon completion of investigations and after careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the matter, the Police found no evidence to suggest that the former worker had committed the offence of cheating," their joint statement read.
"MOM has also investigated the work injury compensation claim and found no evidence of fraud. The claim will therefore be admitted and processed by the designated insurer in accordance with the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA)."
The police added it would not be taking any further action against the former worker in the case following consultation with the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Controversial accusations online
The controversy gained traction online after the worker's former employer posted an accusation on Facebook last year that the employee had filed a false work injury claim to get compensation.
The owner accused the employees of orchestrating a fall to file a false work injury claim, Mothership reported.
But shortly after making the posts, the owner was found dead, with a coroner's court hearing earlier this month that she was stressed over the workplace injury claim against her, CNA reported.
The owner, who was found dead at the foot of a housing block in July 2025, believed she was being exploited for additional compensation after receiving a letter from the worker saying she would be making a claim for total permanent incapacity, according to the owner's husband in court.
The probe carried out by MOM found that the designated insurer had earlier reimbursed the employer in June 2025 for the medical cost and medical leave wages incurred for the work injury until then.
"[The insurer] will continue to cover the eligible compensation benefits under WICA," MOM added in its statement.
The investigation, however, also revealed that Sumo Salad's operator, EatGreen Pte Ltd, had work injury compensation insurance coverage for only two employees.
Its policy did not cover the remaining employees under WICA, according to MOM, which issued a "stern warning" to the company for the lapse.
"The WICA ensures that workers who suffer work-related injuries or occupational diseases receive timely financial support, while safeguarding employers' interests through due process and capped compensation limits," the joint release read.
The framework's process also ensures that all parties have the opportunity to present their case before decisions are finalised.
"MOM takes the integrity of this framework seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those responsible for false or misleading claims or circumvention of the framework," it added.
