Director declared bankrupt: His 3 firms linked to over 400 unpaid migrant workers in S'pore

The director of three companies linked to more than 400 migrant workers, who were owed months of unpaid wages, has been declared bankrupt.

According to a report by The Straits Times, a bankruptcy order was made against Ramu Palani Velu on Aug. 13.

Ramu, who is an Indian national and Singapore permanent resident, is the director of seven companies in Singapore that provide services, including air-conditioning, plumbing, and building works.

Earlier in June 2026, more than 400 workers from three of the companies – VVR Plant Engineering, SK Industries, and KPA Engineering – lodged claims for unpaid wages.

Some workers said they had not received their salaries for about three months.

Claims over unpaid wages

According to ST, five workers from KPA Engineering separately approached the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) in 2025 over unpaid wages.

Their cases were resolved within a week, with the workers receiving payment from the company.

However, four other KPA Engineering workers filed claims for unpaid salaries in May and June 2026.

While those cases were being processed, more than 100 migrant workers went to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Services Centre in Bendemeer on Jun. 22 to seek help regarding their outstanding salary payments and housing arrangements.

ST reported that MOM was already aware of salary claims after speaking to KPA Engineering workers affected by a dormitory eviction notice on Jun. 8.

Authorities had also been trying to contact the company's directors before the workers approached MOM on Jun. 22.

All three firms shared the same director

It was subsequently established that the three companies shared the same director, Ramu, who had left Singapore.

His registered address at a private estate in Hillview had reportedly been rented to foreign tenants over the past two years and is currently leased to a doctor.

He subsequently returned to Singapore on Jun. 26 and has been assisting MOM with its investigations.

Records from the Ministry of Law's Insolvency Office show that he applied for bankruptcy on Jul. 9, ST reported.

AAG Corporate Advisory is listed as the trustee.

Employers who fail to pay salaries may face fines of between S$3,000 and S$15,000 per charge, as well as up to six months' jail.