On 25 April, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint uncovered large amounts of undeclared currencies carried by a Malaysian woman who was arriving into Singapore by car.
Officers had profiled the Malaysia-registered vehicle for thorough checks and uncovered stacks of currencies wrapped in a pink plastic bag, placed inside the vehicle’s centre console. The amount of undeclared currencies was more than S$20,000.
The case was referred to Singapore Police Force for further investigation.
There is no restriction to bringing in and taking out any type or amount of Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI). However, travellers are reminded that they are required by law to submit a full and accurate report to the Singapore Police Force if they are entering or leaving Singapore carrying a total value of CBNI exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency). This reporting requirement is part of the efforts to combat international money laundering and terrorism financing.
Failure to report movement of CBNI is an offence under Section 60(1) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, which is punishable with a fine not exceeding S$50,000, or an imprisonment term not exceeding 3 years, or both. The CBNI may also be seized and upon conviction, may also be confiscated.
As Guardians of Our Borders, ICA is committed to protect Singapore by keeping our borders safe and secure, while facilitating trade and safe travel.
Netizens’ comments
- 20k not big amount. Might be her salary money bring in for good exchange rate.
- Ops..gotcha. That’s a lot of money. Well we do control as per the law states and clearly it states for every country.
- Maybe this is just a trick. Sekali there is other car around the same time carrying more than million dollar cash or other illegal things and the officers missed it because focusing on this particular car only. Just saying. These people very sneaky one.