Traveller carrying undeclared $51k into Singapore among 67 caught during checks at checkpoints
Almost 13,000 travellers were checked during the operation.
Singapore authorities apprehended seven travelers who attempted to enter the country with undeclared cash totaling more than $51,000 each during a week-long border enforcement operation from September 22 to 28. The seven, along with nearly 13,000 other travelers and 350 vehicles, were scrutinized by the police, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and Singapore Customs.
Three of the seven were fined $13,000, two received warning letters, and the remaining two had their cash seized for further investigation. The undeclared cash ranged from $20,400 to $51,000, with the largest amount found on a 40-year-old female traveler on September 23. Most of the offenders were caught on September 28, with the highest seized sum amounting to $96,400.
It is mandatory for travelers to report the movement of cash or bearer negotiable instruments exceeding $20,000 or its equivalent value within 72 hours before entering or leaving Singapore via the MyICA app or the ICA website. Offenders can face fines up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years, with confiscated cash as well.
Separately, 60 travelers were penalized for evading taxes on alcoholic beverages and goods, leading to a total loss of $7,810 in duty and GST. These travelers were fined up to 20 times the amount of evaded taxes, with potential jail time. All travelers are responsible for making accurate and complete declarations of goods exceeding their duty-free concession and GST import relief, either before arrival via the Customs@SG Web Application, MyICA app, or Customs Declaration Kiosks at checkpoints and terminals.
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