The case of Mikhy K Farrera Brochez, the American who leaked confidential information on from the Ministry of Health's HIV Registry, raised questions about security and screening procedures.

Not only did Brochez lie about his HIV positive status, he also lied about his education qualifications and credentials.

Brochez claimed to have attended top schools from around the world, including Princeton, Vanderbilt University, and the Sorbonne.

He also claimed to have received a Doctorate in Psychology and Education from the University of Paris, and also claimed to hold a professional teaching certificate.

Fake lecturer

Following a Police investigation, it was determined that Brochez falsified these certificates and lied about his credentials, which he used to apply for jobs with educational institutes in Singapore.

Brochez previously worked as a lecturer in two polytechnics in Singapore.

Singaporeans were puzzled about how Brochez managed to get away with his false credentials and claims for so long.

They left a number of comments on Facebook:

Employment Pass

The rules for granting an Employment Pass (EP) are accessible on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.

They are granted to foreign candidates who have a job offer in Singapore, and meet an established set of criteria, such as academic and/or professional credentials, salary level and the applicant's home country.

The prospective employer makes the first move by applying on behalf of the foreign candidate for an EP.

When contacted, an MOM spokesperson said:

"Before making an application for an Employment Pass (EP), the employer would have already evaluated the candidate, including his qualifications.

The majority of employers take this role seriously, as they also have an interest to ensure that their selection and recruitment of foreigners is rigorous."

But the MOM also provides an additional layer of scrutiny.

According to the spokesperson, the Ministry also takes a risk-based approach by conducting additional checks and verifications on selected applications.

Employers who later discover that they have been misled can also make a report to MOM.

Brochez case

EP holders who misled their employer or the authorities are in potential breach of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

The maximum penalty is a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to two years, or to both per charge.

If the employer is involved in the deception, they will also be prosecuted.

Brochez was convicted under the Penal Code for forgery of documents, as well as possession of drugs on March 1, 2017.

He was sentenced to 28 months' imprisonment.

Related stories:

Top image from MOM's Facebook page and the Independent.

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