Four foreigners detained in S’pore for failing to declare over S$1.24 million in cross-border cash

FOUR foreign nationals are under investigation in Singapore after they were found carrying a total of S$1,249,666 (about RM4.12 million) in foreign currencies into the country without making accurate declarations, in violation of cross-border cash regulations.

China Press reported today that the arrests were part of a coordinated week-long enforcement operation conducted from 9 to 15 October by the Singapore Police Force, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore Customs, and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

The joint operation targeted sea, land, and air checkpoints.

According to a joint statement issued by the authorities, the operation focused on enforcing Singapore’s cross-border cash reporting regime and tackling smuggling activities at checkpoints.

Officers screened more than 14,000 individuals, 280 vehicles, and over 11,700 pieces of luggage during the operation. A total of 11 individuals were found carrying cash exceeding S$20,000 (about RM66,000) without declaring it or providing inaccurate declarations, in contravention of local law.

On 10 October, a 52-year-old foreign man was found entering Singapore with RM70,000 in undeclared cash. On 11 October, four men aged between 45 and 60 were separately found in possession of a combined S$42,337 (approximately RM139,712) in various foreign currencies, also without having made a declaration.

The most serious incident occurred on 13 October, when three foreign men aged between 38 and 44, and a 37-year-old foreign woman, were caught attempting to bring in a total of S$1,249,666 without declaring or fully disclosing the amount as required.

On 14 October, two more foreign men, aged 34 and 41 respectively, were found carrying S$43,604 (approximately RM143,893) and S$50,000 (approximately RM165,000) in undeclared cash.

Singapore law requires any individual entering or leaving the country with more than S$20,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) in physical cash or bearer negotiable instruments to make a full and accurate declaration to the authorities.

The investigation is ongoing. - October 18, 2025