Two Chinese nationals to be charged in Singapore over counterfeit S$100 notes

Singaporean authorities are prosecuting two Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in a conspiracy to counterfeit Singapore currency. The pair, a 33-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, are expected to face charges in court.

The investigation began after police received a report early Monday morning about a man attempting to exchange a counterfeit S$100 note at the Marina Bay Sands Casino. During the transaction, the casino cashier noticed the word "copy" printed on the note and alerted the authorities. Preliminary findings indicate the man had attempted to deposit S$150,000, which included the fake note.

Following the report, police officers located the man at his hotel room, where they found the woman attempting to leave with printing equipment. A search of the hotel room uncovered a total of 121 counterfeit S$100 notes. Additionally, items believed to be counterfeiting instruments, such as ink, paper, and a paper cutter, were seized by the police.

If convicted of conspiring to counterfeit Singapore currency notes, the two individuals face severe penalties, including a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a substantial fine. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by Singaporean law enforcement to combat currency counterfeiting.