A 32-year-old Vietnamese hostess has been sentenced to six months in jail for her involvement in a sham marriage scheme that potentially cost her $132,000.
And it involved a betrayal by her friend, like a Korea drama.
Here’s what happened.
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Vietnamese Married S’porean to Get Long-Term Pass, But Wanted a Divorce When Pass Was Not Approved
The scheme began in February when her work permit was nearing expiration.
She then discussed her plans to continue working and studying in Singapore with a fellow Vietnamese national. Her friend suggested arranging a fake marriage with a local Singaporean man to obtain a Long-Term Visit Pass.
The payment schedule was $35,000 for the first year, $18,000 each for the second and third years, plus monthly payments of $1,500 for three years.
An additional $7,000 would be due after securing the Long-Term Visit Pass.
She managed to marry a 30-year-old Singaporean man at a Marina Bay Sands restaurant on 29 March.
She paid $1,000 to each marriage witness, while the groom received $2,000.
Though married, they lived separately. She was instructed to keep some personal items at his home and make regular phone calls so they’d look like they’re married.
However, her Long-Term Visit Pass application on 31 May failed. It’s unknown why it was not approved.
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After paying $30,000 to her friend, Phan requested a divorce, saying she couldn’t afford the remaining payments. She was arrested on 20 June before any divorce proceedings began.
A Twist That No One Saw Coming
Court documents revealed an interesting twist – her “husband” had previously entered into another sham marriage with…that friend who suggested and arranged the sham marriage.
The friend has received $11,000 for his first fake marriage in April last year.
The “husband” now faces 14 charges under immigration laws and one under computer misuse laws. His case will be heard on 2 December.
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