On 5 June 2024, a total of 13 subjects were arrested for suspected Marriage of Convenience (MOC) related offences in an enforcement operation conducted by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers. They included six female Vietnamese and seven male Singaporeans, aged between 22 and 32 years.

2.          The operation involved simultaneous raids covering public and private residential premises in multiple locations in Singapore. Apart from the investigation into their MOC related offences, the subjects will also be investigated for possible false declaration offences in their Visit Pass applications.

3.           The arrests are the outcome of vigorous investigations by ICA into a suspected syndicate arranging MOCs. All subjects have been charged in court on 6 June 2024. ICA will be conducting further investigations into the MOC offences committed by the subjects. 

4.          ICA takes a serious view of individuals trying to circumvent our system by engaging in or arranging/assisting to arrange MOCs to obtain immigration facilities in Singapore. The penalties for the offence are a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both.

5.           ICA will continue to take firm enforcement action against errant couples and middlemen. We welcome members of the public to report any suspected case of MOC, or immigration-related offences, to ICA via our “Reporting of Immigration Offenders” online form at ICA | Feedback. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
07 JUNE 2024