Two Chinese nationals have been charged in Singapore over an alleged scheme involving counterfeit Singapore currency, after a suspicious S$100 note was reportedly discovered during a cash deposit at Marina Bay Sands Casino.
The accused are 33-year-old Yang Zelong and 25-year-old Han Wenqian. They were charged on Aug. 26 in connection with allegations that they conspired to counterfeit Singapore currency notes.
The case came to light in the early hours of Aug. 24, when police received a report at around 3.50am concerning an alleged attempt to use a counterfeit S$100 note at the casino’s cage cashier.
Suspicious S$100 note discovered at casino
According to preliminary investigations, Yang allegedly approached the casino cashier with S$150,000 in cash and requested for the money to be deposited into his casino account.
However, the cashier reportedly noticed something unusual while counting the notes. One of the S$100 bills allegedly had the word “COPY” printed on it, raising suspicions that the note was not genuine.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, with officers from the Central Police Division and Commercial Affairs Department attending to investigate the incident.
121 alleged counterfeit notes found
Police investigations reportedly led officers to Yang’s hotel room. During the operation, officers allegedly saw Han leaving the room while carrying a printer, prompting further searches.
A total of 121 counterfeit S$100 notes were allegedly discovered in Han’s possession during the investigation.
Officers also reportedly found various items believed to be connected to the alleged production of counterfeit currency. These included a bottle of ink, paper and a paper cutter, all of which were seized as case exhibits.
Serious penalties under Singapore law
The allegations involve several offences under Singapore law, including the alleged making or counterfeiting of currency, using counterfeit currency as genuine, possession of counterfeit currency, and possession of instruments or materials intended for counterfeiting.
A person convicted of forging or counterfeiting currency or banknotes can face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine. Similar penalties may apply to those convicted of using counterfeit currency as genuine.
Possession of forged or counterfeit currency can carry a jail term of up to 15 years and a fine. Those convicted of making or possessing equipment or materials intended for counterfeiting currency can also face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine.
The case highlights Singapore’s strict approach towards financial crime and the use of counterfeit money, particularly where large cash transactions are involved.
Police advise public on suspected counterfeit notes
Members of the public who encounter a suspected counterfeit Singapore note are advised to contact the police immediately by calling 999.
The police have also advised people to note down the description of anyone who presents a suspected counterfeit note. Useful details include the person’s gender, race, estimated age, height, build, clothing, tattoos, as well as the language or dialect they speak.
People who receive a suspected counterfeit note should minimise handling it and place it in a protective covering, such as an envelope or folded paper, to prevent further tampering before handing it over to the police.
The allegations against Yang and Han have yet to be tested in court. Both remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.