Indonesian man charged with attempting to deposit counterfeit S$10,000 note at Clementi UOB branch
A 22-year-old Indonesian man was charged in court on 4 September after allegedly trying to deposit a fake S$10,000 banknote at a UOB branch in Clementi Avenue 3. Bank staff alerted police after suspecting the note was counterfeit.
- The accused, Aurick Kenji Almira Valeryan, allegedly tried to deposit a fake S$10,000 note at a UOB branch.
- He was arrested after bank staff detected the counterfeit note.
- If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in jail and a fine under Section 489B of the Penal Code.
SINGAPORE — A 22-year-old Indonesian man has been charged in court after allegedly attempting to deposit a counterfeit S$10,000 banknote at a United Overseas Bank (UOB) branch in Clementi Avenue 3.
The accused, identified as Aurick Kenji Almira Valeryan, is said to have handed the note to a bank officer around 2pm on 15 August, despite having reason to believe it was fake.
Police said the counter staff at the branch became suspicious of the note’s authenticity and immediately informed a manager, who then alerted authorities. Valeryan was later arrested and charged with using counterfeit currency under Section 489B of Singapore’s Penal Code.
He is expected to return to court on 25 September to plead guilty.
Severe penalties for counterfeit offences
If convicted, Valeryan faces imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine. Police emphasised that offences involving counterfeit currency are treated with utmost seriousness, noting that forging, using, or possessing fake notes all carry severe penalties under Singapore law.
Under the Penal Code, those found guilty of producing or dealing with counterfeit currency can face similar jail terms of up to 20 years and fines, depending on the specific offence.
Police advisory to the public
In a statement, police urged members of the public to remain vigilant against counterfeit currency and to exercise caution when offered high-value notes for exchange or deposit.
“Members of the public should not attempt to pass off suspected counterfeit currency. Instead, they should contact the police immediately,” the statement said.
Officers also advised individuals to handle suspected counterfeit notes minimally to avoid tampering with potential evidence.
Guidance from authorities
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) provides detailed information on its official website to help the public verify the authenticity of Singapore currency notes.
These include guidance on identifying key security features such as the security thread, watermark portrait, and colour-shifting elements that are present on genuine notes.
Police reiterated that anyone found using or circulating counterfeit notes, whether knowingly or recklessly, will face firm enforcement action.
