A 22-year-old man was arrested after trying to deposit a counterfeit S$10,000 note in Clementi.

Singapore police arrested a 22-year-old man who attempted to deposit a suspected counterfeit S$10,000 (US$7,764) note at a Clementi bank. He now faces severe penalties under Singapore’s strict counterfeit currency laws.

Attempted Deposit in Clementi

On August 15, 2025, around 2pm, the man visited a bank along Clementi Avenue 3. He presented a S$10,000 note to the counter staff, requesting it be deposited into a bank account. The staff, suspecting the note was counterfeit, alerted the bank manager, who immediately contacted the police.

Arrest and Investigations

Police officers quickly arrived at the scene and arrested the man. The suspected counterfeit note was seized for investigation. According to authorities, the man will be charged on September 4, 2025, with using counterfeit currency as genuine—an offence carrying a potential prison term of up to 20 years and a fine.

Counterfeit Laws in Singapore

Singapore enforces some of the strictest laws on counterfeit currency in the region.

• Forging or counterfeiting notes can result in up to 20 years in jail and a fine.
• Possessing counterfeit notes carries up to 15 years in prison and a fine.
• The Monetary Authority of Singapore discontinued issuing S$10,000 notes in 2014, but they remain legal tender, making them a prime target for counterfeit attempts.

Public Safety Advisory

Authorities stressed that the public should remain alert. Police urged people to be cautious of anyone offering large denomination notes for exchange or deposit. They also advised individuals to immediately report suspected counterfeit notes to the police and provide detailed descriptions of the suspects and vehicles involved.

Handling Suspected Counterfeit Notes

Members of the public are encouraged to:

• Limit handling of suspicious notes.
• Place them in an envelope or protective covering.
• Hand them directly to the police without delay.

These steps help preserve evidence for investigations and protect others from falling victim to counterfeit scams.

Broader Impact

This case highlights the continued risks of counterfeit money in Southeast Asia. For both Indonesians and Singaporeans, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of financial vigilance, especially when dealing with high-value currency. Strict enforcement of laws helps safeguard banking systems and maintain public trust in national currencies.

The Clementi case underlines Singapore’s uncompromising stance on financial crimes and its commitment to protecting the integrity of its banking system. With S$10,000 notes still in circulation despite being discontinued, vigilance is essential. The case sends a clear message: counterfeit currency offences will not be tolerated.

Sources: CNA (2025) , Mothership (2025)

Keywords: Fake S$10,000 Note, Counterfeit Currency Singapore, Clementi Arrest, Police Investigation, Criminal Charges, Monetary Authority