SINGAPORE - A 40-year-old Malaysian man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a case of counterfeit casino chips reported in 2011, the police said on Tuesday (March 8).
In August 2011, the police commenced investigations into a syndicated case of suspected counterfeit casino chips used at the Marina Bay Sands casino. Following investigations, four suspects were arrested and were prosecuted in court, the police said.
A total of 287 fake chips, each with a face value of $1,000, were seized after counterfeit chips were found to have been used at the casino's baccarat tables.
With assistance from the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), a fifth suspect was arrested in Malaysia on Monday (March 7). He was subsequently handed over to the Singapore Police Force (SPF)on Tuesday (March 8) afternoon.
The suspect will be charged in court on Wednesday (March 9) for using counterfeit casino chips, punishable under the Casino Control Act. If convicted, he can face a prison term of up to seven years, or a fine of up to $150,000 or both.
Singapore's Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations and Intelligence) Tan Chye Hee, who is also director of the Criminal Investigation Department, expressed his appreciation to the RMP for their assistance in the arrest.
He said: "The arrest of the suspect would not have been possible without the close collaboration and strong relationship between the SPF and RMP. The SPF will spare no efforts to hunt down criminals who commit crimes in Singapore and flee our borders thereafter."
