A 42-year-old man was charged on Tuesday (20 October) after allegedly using an electronic device hidden in a bag to illegally obtain shoppers’ bank card information at Mustafa Centre.
Liu Xi, a Chinese national, faces a charge of illegally obtaining personal information. The incident occurred on Sunday (18 October), two days before his court appearance.
Security Officers Spotted Suspicious Behaviour
In a statement issued early on Tuesday, police said preliminary investigations found that the man had moved around the premises and stood close to customers while carrying a bag containing an electronic device.
He was seen placing the bag near customers’ pockets where they kept their wallets, police said.
Security officers detained him and handed him over to officers from the Central Police Division.
Police found an electronic device, two power banks, a mobile phone and several bank cards in his possession. These were seized as evidence.
Charge Carries Up to Three Years’ Jail
The charge falls under Section 416A(1)(a) of the Penal Code, which concerns illegally obtaining personal information.
If convicted, Liu could face up to three years’ jail, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.
Police also urged members of the public to stay alert and protect their personal information, including bank card details, against unauthorised access or collection.
