Foreign Traveller Caught with Inaccurate Cash Declaration in Singapore
A recent multi-agency enforcement operation conducted from May 21 to May 27 has led to the apprehension of 14 travellers attempting to move cash exceeding S$20,000 into and out of Singapore without proper declaration or with inaccurate information. This operation, which spanned land, air, and sea checkpoints, also resulted in 153 individuals being caught for various customs violations.
The enforcement effort involved collaboration among several agencies, including the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Singapore Customs, National Parks Board (NParks), and Health Sciences Authority (HSA). According to a press release issued on May 31, these actions are part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with Singapore’s Cross-Border Cash Reporting Regime (CBCRR) and to combat illegal cross-border activities.
During the week-long operation, authorities conducted thorough checks on over 19,000 travellers and 1,600 vehicles, scanning or searching more than 26,000 pieces of luggage and hand-carry bags.
Details of the Offences
Among the 14 travellers caught, a notable case involved a 55-year-old foreign male who was detected on May 23 while attempting to bring in S$399,965 and MYR1,621 into Singapore. This cash is suspected to be linked to unlicensed moneylending activities. Other cases were reported on various dates throughout the operation, with amounts ranging from S$20,700 to S$380,139.
Of the 14 individuals apprehended, four received Notices of Warning, while seven were subjected to composition sums totaling S$27,000. Investigations are still ongoing for the remaining three travellers, one of whom has been charged with possessing property linked to criminal conduct.