The immigration offenders must have thought that they face little risk of being caught by paying S$20 for a fake immigration endorsement. They could not be more wrong. For such a price, the fake endorsement was definitely not up to mark.

2     On 30 September 2010, a 31-year-old male Bangladeshi was stopped for checks by officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in the vicinity of Jalan Minyak. During the check, he was found to be in possession of a work permit which did not belong to him. The officers also found two copies of immigration Special Passes in his possession. On closer examination by the sharp-eyed ICA officers, the Special Passes and the extension endorsements on the passes were suspected to be forged. The Bangladeshi was immediately placed under arrest.

3     Following the discovery of the suspected forged documents, the male Bangladeshi, known as “Mohamed” led the ICA officers to his residence where the paraphernalia used in providing the forged immigration endorsements was recovered. Two other male Bangladeshi, known as “Abdul” and “Azizul” who were residing in the flat, were also arrested as they admitted to have overstayed in Singapore.

    
                                   Forgery paraphernalia and forged Special Pass

                                  
                                                        No escape for the trio

4     Preliminary investigation revealed that ‘’Mohamed’’ was working for 51-year-old “Abdul” to provide forged immigration extension stamps to Bangladeshi nationals. In return, he was promised food and lodging by “Abdul”. The trio claimed that they had been staying in the flat for about three months and paid a monthly rental of $600. For being in possession of the suspected forged items, the trio was referred to the Police for further investigation.

5     The ICA takes a serious view of attempts to forge immigration stamps or related documents as the forged paraphernalia can be used by terrorists or undesirable persons to conceal their illegal statuses in Singapore. The authorities will not hesitate to take action against those found using or in possession of such items.

6     We would also like to take the opportunity to remind homeowners that it is an offence to harbour immigration offenders. Under the Immigration Act, to harbour means to give food or shelter and includes the act of assisting a person in any way to evade apprehension. To help us take action against immigration offenders, members of the public with information can call ICA at Tel: 1800-391 6150.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
1 OCTOBER 2010