A 22-year-old man was arrested on 15 Aug 2025 after attempting to deposit a counterfeit Singapore S$10,000 note at a bank along Clementi Avenue 3.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:00pm when the man presented the fake note to a bank counter staff member. He requested for the note to be deposited into a bank account.
The counter staff immediately suspected the note was counterfeit and promptly informed the bank manager. Police were alerted and the man was arrested on the spot.
The counterfeit Singapore S$10,000 note was seized for investigations.
Charges and Severe Penalties for Counterfeit Currency Crimes
The man will be charged in court on 4 Sep 2025 with the offence of using counterfeit currency notes as genuine.
This offence carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine.
Police stated they take a serious view of any person found criminally involved in counterfeit currency. Individuals charged with forging or counterfeiting currency or bank notes face up to 20 years in prison and a fine.
Those involved in making or possessing materials used for counterfeiting activities also face the same penalties. For possessing forged or counterfeit currency or bank notes, individuals can face up to 15 years in prison and a fine.
Public Warning and Safety Guidelines for Counterfeit Notes
Police reminded members of the public to be cautious of individuals offering money in exchange for assistance to convert counterfeit S$10,000 or other large denomination currency notes with genuine currency of smaller denominations.
The public should also be wary of depositing such notes at banks or other financial institutions.
Those who suspect they have encountered counterfeit notes should call the police at 999 immediately. They should note down the description of the person presenting the counterfeit note, including gender, race, age, height, build, clothing and language or dialect spoken.
Details of any vehicle used, including registration numbers, should also be recorded.
People holding suspected counterfeit notes should limit handling and place them in protective covering such as an envelope or folded paper to prevent further tampering. The notes should be handed over to police immediately.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore stopped issuing S$10,000 notes in 2014. However, existing S$10,000 notes remain legal tender and can be used to pay for goods and services.
Here’s the REAL reason why everyone is hanging plushies on their bags, simplified for you:
