Singapore court jails salesman who cheated dozens using fake grants and IT deals
What began as a seemingly legitimate business pitch evolved into a multi-year web of deception that left small businesses and individuals reeling. A Singapore court has now delivered its verdict on a case that underscores how trust, government schemes, and personal relationships can be exploited for personal gain.
Misusing Government Grants to Target SMEs
From July 2018 to October 2023, Long Junsheng, 40, cheated 37 victims of more than S$1.4 million by exploiting trust in Singapore’s Productivity Solutions Grant administered by Enterprise Singapore. While working as a salesman at J-Workz Office Solutions, Long falsely told small and medium-sized enterprises that accounting software purchases would be fully covered under the grant, convincing directors to sign documents and make upfront payments.
Leasing Agreements Used as a Front
Instead of grant applications, victims unknowingly signed 60-month leasing agreements with GC Lease Singapore, falsely confirming receipt of software they never obtained. Believing the documents to be legitimate, GC Lease disbursed funds to J-Workz, which then paid Long the full amount as commission. To maintain the illusion, Long returned small sums to victims, claiming they were government reimbursements, before cutting off contact. This scheme alone affected 13 companies, causing losses of nearly S$425,000.
Gambling-Fueled IT Scam Expansion
Court documents revealed that Long lost about S$1.3 million gambling at local casinos between February 2022 and August 2023. During this period, he took over an IT solutions firm called The IT Crew and launched a second scam. Presenting himself as a company representative, he promised IT services and grant offsets in exchange for upfront payments, despite having no intention of delivering any services. This phase of the fraud netted over S$1 million from 23 victims, with funds diverted to gambling and personal expenses.
Romance Scam Adds to Charges
In a separate case, Long cheated a 29-year-old Malaysian TikTok live-streamer of more than S$40,000 after entering a romantic relationship with her. Claiming they would travel to Los Angeles, he instructed her to transfer money for supposed visa applications. Investigations showed the funds were sent to money changers linked to Long, who used the cash for personal spending and online gifts. The victim later discovered no visa applications had ever been made.
Court Sentence and Legal Arguments
On Dec 23, Long was sentenced to four years and 11 months’ jail after pleading guilty to multiple cheating charges. His lawyers argued that his offenses stemmed from worsening financial and personal circumstances rather than premeditated intent, and acknowledged his abuse of emotional trust in the romance scam. Prosecutors, however, highlighted the scale and persistence of his actions, which spanned years and targeted both businesses and individuals.
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities surrounding government-linked grants, business financing, and online relationships. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, it highlights the importance of due diligence, transparency, and safeguards as cross-border business, digital platforms, and grant-based support schemes continue to expand.
Sources: Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Productivity Solutions Grant, SME Cheating Case, Singapore Fraud, IT Scam, Casino Gambling
