Week-long checkpoint blitz uncovers over $1.4m undeclared cash, illegal vapes and unpaid taxes
A week-long multi-agency enforcement operation across Singapore's land, air and sea checkpoints has uncovered a string of offences ranging from undeclared cash to illegal vapes, the authorities said in a joint statement on Oct 18.
The enforcement exercise, which involved officers from the police, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore Customs and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), was conducted from Oct 9 to 15.
Over 14,000 travellers and 280 vehicles were identified by the authorities for checks, and at least 11,700 pieces of luggage and hand-carry bags were scanned or searched.
11 travellers caught moving over $1.4 million in undeclared cash
During these checks, 11 travellers were caught moving cash exceeding $20,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) into and out of Singapore without declaration or with inaccurate declaration. This amounted to a total of more than $1.4 million in cash.
Of these 11 travellers, four were issued official warnings, and six were fined a total of $24,000. One traveller remains under investigation.
Director of the Commercial Affairs Department, Mr David Chew said: "Cross-border cash smuggling is a well-known money laundering typology. It is used by criminal organisations to obscure the origins of their illicit proceeds. As an important trade and transportation hub, Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards cash smuggling."
The police implement the comprehensive cross-border cash reporting regime (CBCRR) to curb money laundering, terrorist financing and other criminal activities.
While it is not illegal to bring cash into Singapore, travellers carrying more than $20,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) must declare the amount through the MyICA mobile app or via ICA's online form.
Customs finds duty-unpaid cigarettes, undeclared goods
Another 62 travellers were caught for failing to declare and pay taxes on goods such as cigarettes or tobacco products and goods exceeding their GST import relief allowances, including a branded watch, car wipers, cosmetics and accessories.
The total duty and tax evaded came up to $7,351, with fines totalling $20,615.
Under the Customs Act, any individual involved in the fraudulent evasion of customs or excise duties could face fines of up to 20 times the amount evaded or up to two years' jail.
To avoid penalties, travellers are encouraged to declare and make payment for such goods up to three days before arrival using the Customs@SG Web Application, which is also available on the MyICA mobile app.
Travellers may also use the Customs Declaration Kiosks located at the air, land and sea checkpoints and terminals, to declare and make payment for their goods on arrival.
395 vapes and chewing tobacco seized
Separately, 13 male travellers and a female traveller, aged between 25 and 65, were caught in possession of vapes. A total of 395 vapes and components were seized. Another woman was found with 11 sachets of chewing tobacco.
All offenders were fined under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.
Authorities noted that under the enhanced penalties introduced in September, repeat offenders may be required to undergo rehabilitation, and third-time offenders will be prosecuted in court.
Travellers can also voluntarily dispose of vapes at designated bins located at selected locations, including Singapore's border checkpoints.
