Incident overview
Singapore’s police said two Bangladeshi men will be brought to court on Tuesday to face charges related to counterfeit currency. The suspects, aged 33 and 35, were arrested after the Singapore Police Force (SPF) received multiple reports of counterfeit S$50 notes being used in Geylang between September 22 and September 25. The police cited two specific incidents that allegedly involved the men in the use of counterfeit notes.
In the first case, the 35-year-old allegedly used a counterfeit S$50 note to purchase food at a restaurant along Lorong 22 Geylang. In the second case, the two men allegedly used two counterfeit S$50 notes to pay for services along Lorong 16 Geylang. Following these reports, investigators conducted ground enquiries and reviewed CCTV footage to identify the identities of those involved.
The 35-year-old man was identified and arrested on September 28. Through further checks, investigators determined that the 33-year-old man was involved in the second incident and he was subsequently arrested. Police also recovered a batch of additional counterfeit notes: 12 more S$50 notes believed to be counterfeit were found in the 33-year-old’s possession and seized as case exhibits.
Both men are set to be charged in court on Tuesday with the offences of using as genuine counterfeit banknotes and possessing counterfeit banknotes. The SPF did not specify the exact charges beyond these categories, but outlined the relevant penalties for currency fraud and related offences.
Legal implications and penalties
In Singapore, forging or counterfeiting currency carries heavy penalties. Those who forge, counterfeit, or possess materials used for forgery face up to 20 years in prison and a fine. Individuals who use genuine or counterfeit forged currency face the same maximum punishment. People who possess forged or counterfeit notes can be jailed for up to 15 years and fined. The authorities emphasize that the law treats use, possession, and manufacture as serious offences given their impact on financial integrity and public trust.
SPF reminded the public that those with information about counterfeiting can assist by calling 999. Investigators also advised the public to record identifying features of anyone who presents suspected counterfeit currency and to handle suspected notes as little as possible, placing them in protective coverings to prevent further tampering before handing them to officers.
Public guidance for handling currency
SPF highlighted several security features of genuine Singapore notes, including watermarks, security threads and a distinct paper texture. These features help the public distinguish authentic notes from fakes, though counterfeits can still occasionally slip in, underscoring the importance of vigilance when handling money in daily transactions.
If you suspect you have received counterfeit currency, avoid unnecessary handling and contact the police. Note down any identifying details of the individuals who offered the notes, and then securely hand the notes to authorities for evaluation. Your cooperation aids ongoing investigations and helps prevent further circulation of counterfeit money.
What residents can do to prevent counterfeit circulation
Regularly check fresh notes for security features before accepting cash, especially in busy districts like Geylang. Report suspicious transactions promptly, and consider using digital payments or established foreign exchange points for high-value transactions to reduce exposure to counterfeit notes. The SPF’s guidance aims to deter counterfeiting and protect everyday transactions from disruption.
