4 arrested for suspected use of counterfeit $100 notes
Three women and one man, aged between 17 and 27, have been arrested over their suspected involvement in the use of counterfeit $100 notes.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said it had received several reports between 22 and 29 July regarding such notes being presented for payments at coffee shops and convenience stores in the Woodlands and Hougang housing estates.
Following investigations by Commercial Affairs Department officers, three women were arrested along Hougang Avenue 6 at about 4.30pm on 29 July. Two mobile phones and several $100 notes, believed to be counterfeit, were seized as case exhibits.
At about 12.15am on 30 July, a 27-year-old man was arrested along Woodlands Rise in relation to the case. Two laptops, five mobile phones, an assortment of identification documents belong to others, a dagger, a sachet of white-coloured substance believed to be a controlled drug, some drug-smoking apparatus and several $100 notes – also believed to be counterfeit – were seized.
The four suspects are believed to have been involved in at least four other similar cases of using counterfeit $100 notes this month. They were set to be charged on Tuesday for abetting by conspiracy in the use of counterfeit currency and for abetting by conspiracy in the possession of counterfeit currency notes.
Those convicted of using counterfeit notes face prison terms of up to 20 years along with a possible fine, while those convicted of possessing counterfeit notes face up to 15 years’ jail.
Police added that the man would also be investigated for suspected drug consumption, possession of offensive weapons and possession another person’s identification documents.
Fake notes believed to be photocopies
The counterfeit notes used are believed to be photocopied reproductions and lack security features such as the watermark of Singapore’s first president Yusof Ishak.
The simulated security features on the fake notes, such as the kinegram and security-thread, are also different from those on genuine notes, said the SPF, adding that the counterfeit money also lacked the embossed feel of genuine notes.
The counterfeit notes in the reported cases have born the following serial numbers:
1AE483429
2EC327675
3AX174455
3AB548790
Members of the public who have received counterfeit currency are advised to call the police immediately while also taking note of the person presenting the fake money. Suspected notes should also be placed in a protective covering, such as an envelope, to prevent tampering before being handed over to the police.
More information on the security features of genuine Singapore currency is available on the Monetary Authority of Singapore website.
Those with information pertaining to this case can also contact the police hotline at 1800 – 255 0000 or make a report online. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
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