Suspects allegedly stole luxury watches, jewellery and cash; police uncover car, tools and foreign currency
Three foreign nationals suspected of burgling multiple homes in Bukit Timah, including a high-profile $684,800 heist, have been brought back to the crime scene to retrace their steps as part of an ongoing investigation.
On May 14, police escorted two suspects, 51-year-old Hector Danial Garcia Iglesias and 48-year-old Mateo Andres Garces Murillo, back to a house in Dunearn Close where the alleged housebreaking occurred on May 9. Wearing shackles and accompanied by officers and a Spanish interpreter, both men reenacted the sequence of events, gesturing to areas of interest and pointing toward a nearby hill during questioning.
The third suspect, 60-year-old Hernando Giraldo Franco, was taken to a separate location where the trio allegedly parked a rented car used during the burglary. Police confirmed that the three men are being investigated for three housebreaking incidents within Bukit Timah, including those at Cluny Park and Eng Neo Avenue.
Break-In Net Worth: Watches, Jewellery, and Cash
According to court documents, the Dunearn Close house was breached at 9.55pm on May 9 by forcing open a sliding window. The suspects allegedly stole seven luxury watches—including an $80,000 Cartier—jewellery worth $421,300, and local and foreign currency totalling $11,500. The full value of stolen items is estimated at $684,800.
The group had entered Singapore on social visit passes just one to two weeks prior to the crimes. Following intensive CCTV analysis and ground investigation, Singapore Police arrested Hernando and Hector at Jalan Kubor and Mateo at Tyrwhitt Road on May 11.
Recovered Items and Method of Operation
Police recovered several key items from the suspects, including a circular power saw, jewellery, and more than $18,000 in various currencies—S$6,000, €3,100 (S$4,529), and US$6,400 (S$8,301). A rental car believed to have been used in the heists was also seized.
Officers suspect the group may be involved in other housebreaking cases but have found no direct links to an organised crime syndicate. Investigators are still piecing together how the suspects planned the coordinated break-ins in high-end residential areas.
Charges and Legal Ramifications
The trio was charged on May 12 with one count of housebreaking under Singapore law. If convicted, they face up to 10 years in prison and a fine. The case is being further investigated and will return to court on May 19.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges pending forensic review of recovered items and continued investigation. The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining security even in Singapore’s most affluent districts.
The incident has stirred considerable public attention due to the value of items stolen, the international backgrounds of the suspects, and the rare re-enactment procedure conducted by police. The use of tourist visas and the fast execution of crimes have sparked discussions about immigration oversight and residential security measures.
Despite the high-profile nature of the case, police have not disclosed whether the suspects acted alone or were advised by local contacts. Investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement remains tight-lipped about future developments.
The Bukit Timah burglary case stands as a stark reminder that even Singapore’s most secure residential areas are not immune to well-executed crimes. With three foreign suspects now facing serious charges and court proceedings underway, the spotlight remains on how swiftly Singapore’s security apparatus can respond to high-value cross-border offences.
Sources: Mothership (2025), The Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Bukit Timah Burglary, Dunearn Close Robbery, Foreign Suspects, Luxury Watch Theft, Singapore Police
