Those charged Singaporeans were from group arrested in 2024 for illegal labour offences
Fifteen Singaporeans have been charged with allegedly providing their Singpass credentials to third parties to set up shell companies and file foreign work pass applications, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
MOM said the police charged the Singaporeans, who were previously arrested in an enforcement operation in 2024, in court for various offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1993.
"These charges include unauthorised access to computer material, unauthorised disclosure of access code, and disclosure of credentials in relation to national digital identity service under Section 3, Section 8, and Section 8A of the CMA, respectively," MOM said in a statement.
Unauthorised access to computer material carries an imprisonment term of up to two years, a fine not exceeding $5,000, or both, according to MOM.
Unauthorised disclosure of access code and credentials in relation to national digital identity services under the CMA also carry an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine not exceeding $10,000, or both.
"Singpass passwords or 2FA details should not be disclosed to unknown persons, as these credentials can be misused to access various digital services, including the opening of bank accounts, e-wallets, crypto accounts, and mobile phone lines for scams and other illegal activities," MOM said.
Arrested in 2024
The 15 charged individuals are part of 32 individuals who were arrested in a September 2024 joint operation targeting a criminal syndicate alleged to have submitted work pass applications through shell companies.
Investigations found they were recruited either in person or via Telegram and allegedly handed over their Singpass credentials in return for monetary compensation, enabling shell companies to be incorporated under their names.
MOM had earlier charged 18 individuals in November 2025 with illegal labour importation under Section 22B of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA), following the same operation.
They face amalgamated charges involving fraudulent work pass applications and hiring foreigners as performing artistes under non-operational shell entities or firms that did not require their employment.
"The amalgamated charges each carry an enhanced punishment of imprisonment of up to four years and a fine not exceeding $12,000," MOM said.
