SINGAPORE - A woman who cheated 94 Bangladeshi workers of $57,350 over about one-and-a-half years was sentenced to 24 months' jail on Wednesday (Nov 4).

Mumina Jahabar, 47, a Singaporean, pleaded guilty to 15 of 94 cheating charges involving a total of $10,470. The remaining charges were taken into consideration in sentencing.

The amounts cheated ranged from $350 to $800.

Between January 2012 and August 2013, she duped her victims into believing that she would apply for Canadian visas and work permits on their behalf upon payment of a fee.

The victims , who were marine trade and construction workers, either transferred money into her bank account or gave her cash.

Some time in July 2012, following various police reports lodged against her, police seized a paper bag containing photocopies of passport details of nine Bangladeshi work permit holders at her home.

When confronted, she admitted collecting $750 from each of them.

She had no intention of applying for Canadian visas or work permits on the victims' behalf or refund any of the money to them.

The victims were introduced to her by their friends or relatives.

Mumina, who has a daughter, was allowed to defer sentence until next Wednesday. Bail of $15,000 was allowed.

She could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined on each charge.