A $100 note with the word “COPY” printed on it was enough to unravel an alleged counterfeiting operation at Marina Bay Sands.
Two Chinese nationals, Yang Zelong, 33, and Han Wenqian, 25, were charged on 26 August 2026 with engaging in a conspiracy to counterfeit Singapore currency notes.
Court documents, as reported by The Straits Times, said the alleged offences took place at the Marina Bay Sands hotel between 20 and 24 August.
They have not been convicted. The case is due to be mentioned again on 2 September.
A Cashier Spotted The Word COPY
Police said they were alerted in the early hours of 24 August, after a cage cashier at the Marina Bay Sands Casino noticed something wrong with a $100 note.
According to a police statement, Yang had handed over S$150,000 and asked for the amount to be deposited into his casino account at about 3.50am. One of the notes had the word “COPY” printed on it.
The cashier reported the matter, and officers escorted Yang to his hotel room.
121 Notes, One Serial Number
At the hotel, a woman was seen leaving the room with a printer.
That woman was Han. Police said a search found 121 counterfeit Singapore $100 notes in her possession.
The Straits Times, citing court documents, reported that the 121 fake $100 bills carried the same serial number.
Officers also seized counterfeiting instruments, including bottled ink, paper and a paper cutter.
What The Charge Carries
The pair face a charge of engaging in a conspiracy to counterfeit Singapore currency notes.
If convicted, they can be jailed for up to 20 years and fined.
Police warned that anyone who uses, possesses or makes counterfeit currency or banknotes will face strict penalties.
They also advised anyone who receives a suspected fake note to call 999, handle the note as little as possible, and hand it to the authorities. It also helps to remember what the person who passed the note looked like.
In other words, if a $100 bill in your wallet ever looks a little too eager to announce that it is a copy, it is not a souvenir. Call the police.
