The Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has said on its social media account that its “officers at Singapore Cruise Centre uncovered large amounts of undeclared currencies carried by two Indonesian women who were arriving into Singapore by ferry”.
The post said: “[ICA officers] directed the two women for thorough checks after X-ray screening of their baggage and uncovered three stacks of currencies wrapped in plastic bags, placed inside two suitcases and a backpack. The total amount of undeclared foreign currencies was more than SGD35,600 in value.”
According to the Facebook post, the incident occurred on May 10. The source of the seized cash is being investigated by Singapore Police.
ICA said in its post: “Travellers are reminded that they are required by law to submit a full and accurate report to the Singapore Police Force if they are entering or leaving Singapore carrying a total value of Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI) exceeding SGD20,000 (or its equivalent in a currency). This reporting requirement is part of the efforts to combat international money laundering and terrorism financing.”
Outlining the penalty for avoiding a declaration, ICA said: “Failure to report movement of physical currency or bearer negotiable instrument (CBNI) is an offence under Section 60(1) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (CDSA), 1992, which is punishable with a fine not exceeding SGD50,000, or an imprisonment term not exceeding three years, or both. The CBNI may also be seized and upon conviction, may also be confiscated.”
For information on how to make a proper declaration, the ICA post directed the public to: www.ica.gov.sg and www.police.gov.sg.