A 43-year-old man has been apprehended by the police in connection with a case of cheating by sleight of hand involving a high-value diamond ring. The incident occurred on 20 November 2023 at approximately 1:15 pm at a shop located within a popular shopping mall along Bayfront Avenue.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect, on the pretext of purchasing a diamond ring valued at $318,000, engaged in an elaborate deception. Around 12:45 pm, the man purportedly held the genuine diamond ring in his left hand while diverting the attention of the store staff to other rings. During this diversion, the suspect allegedly executed a swift swap, replacing the authentic diamond ring with a replica using his right hand.
The discrepancy was noticed by an attentive staff member who observed that the price tag of the replica ring had a different texture. Promptly, the staff alerted the in-house security, who detained the suspect. Upon inspection, the authorities found the suspect in possession of the actual diamond ring, and the replica ring was seized as a case exhibit.
The case was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect at the scene. The 43-year-old man is expected to face charges in court on 22 November 2023 under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871 for the offence of cheating. If convicted, the suspect could face imprisonment for a term of up to ten years, in addition to a fine.
S’pore Police’s statement
MAN ARRESTED FOR CHEATING BY SLEIGHT OF HAND
The Police have arrested a 43-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a case of cheating by sleight of hand. Â
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On 20 November 2023 at about 1.15pm, the Police were alerted to a case of cheating at a shop within a shopping mall along Bayfront Avenue. Preliminary investigations revealed that at about 12.45pm, the man, on the pretext of purchasing a diamond ring valued at $318,000/-, allegedly held the ring in his left hand and diverted the staff’s attention to other rings. When the staff looked away, the man purportedly swapped a replica ring using his right hand with the diamond ring.Â
The staff detected the discrepancy when she realised the price tag of the replica ring was of a different texture and alerted the in-house security. The man was detained and found in possession of the diamond ring. The matter was subsequently referred to the Police and he was arrested at the scene. The replica ring was seized as case exhibit.Â
The man will be charged in court on 22 November 2023 with the offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and a fine.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
21 November 2023 @ 7:00 PM