Police have arrested two men who are believed to have printed and used counterfeit Singapore currency as payment to retail outlets and taxi-drivers in various parts of Singapore.

In recent months, Police received several reports that counterfeit Singapore currency notes in $10 and $50 denominations had been used as payment for goods and services in various parts of Singapore. Following extensive investigations by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), the two suspects were arrested on 22 September 2010 in connection with the case. In the course of investigations, CAD also recovered a colour printer cum copier, believed to have been used in the counterfeiting process, together with other incriminating paraphernalia.

Both suspects, aged 31, will be charged in Court on 24 September 2010 for conspiracy to use as genuine counterfeit currency under Section 489B read with Section 109 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. Anyone convicted for this offence can be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 20 years and shall also be liable to a fine.

Director of the Commercial Affairs Department, Mr. Ong Hian Sun, commended his officers and added, “Police will not hesitate to take stern action against the perpetrators of such crimes.”

Members of the public can find information on distinguishing security features of genuine Singapore currency notes at the MAS website at: http://www.mas.gov.sg/currency/currency_info/The_Singapore_Currency.html.