Illustration of a 10.000-denomination Singapore dollar note.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – Investigators from the Polres of South Tangerang are investigating a case involving the alleged counterfeiting and circulation of counterfeit currency worth 340.000 Singapore dollars equivalent to Rp4,7 billion). Six witnesses have already been questioned in connection with the case.

Kapolres of South Tangerang, AKBP Boy Jumalolo explained, that in addition to the six witnesses, the police are conducting further inquiries based on statements from other parties.

“We are also questioning other parties deemed to have knowledge of the matter,” said AKBP Boy on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

The counterfeit currency involved in this case consists of 34 banknotes in the 10.000 Singapore dollar denomination. The Polres of South Tangerang are also coordinating with the Polri’s International Relations Division (Divhubinter) to request information from the Singapore Police regarding the investigation status of an Indonesian citizen currently in that country.

Currently, the Polres of South Tangerang are awaiting an official response from Singaporean authorities regarding the case. The matter was initially reported by a resident with the initials DM to the Polda Metro Jaya on July 3, 2026.

Subsequently, the case was transferred to the Polres of South Tangerang. The individuals named in the report are identified by the initials HJ, EAK, and AN.

In connection with this case, an Indonesian citizen named Steven is currently being detained in Singapore. Steven’s legal counsel, Yosia MPT Ginting Suka stated, that the case initially involved only a single 10.000 Singapore dollar banknote, which his client had received from someone said to be linked to AN.

Steven then took the money to Singapore around June 9, 2024, to exchange it. However, several currency exchange outlets reportedly refused to accept the banknote.

Steven later received information from an individual with the initials MO that the money could be exchanged through a facility at Resorts World Sentosa.  That single 10.000-Singapore-dollar banknote was successfully exchanged and converted into rupiah through a transaction in the area before being turned back into cash.

“Initially, there was just one note. Then, in a subsequent meeting, AN and two associates—identified by the initials HJ and EAK—handed over another 33 notes to Steven,” Yosia explained.

According to Yosia, the handover was also captured on video. The individuals handing over the money stated that the funds belonged to them and that they were willing to accept responsibility should any issues arise later.

Of those 33 notes, Steven took 27 to Singapore, while the remaining six stayed in Indonesia. Those six notes later resurfaced during a series of transactions within Indonesia.

“Those six notes were then sent or taken to Singapore via D for the exchange process,” Yosia said.

Following that process, the six notes were reportedly returned to Steven temporarily due to tax-related issues. Steven was subsequently summoned by casino staff or local authorities to a room for questioning. The hotel where Steven was staying was also searched.

In subsequent developments, all 34 of the 10.000-Singapore-dollar notes were reportedly in the custody of Singaporean authorities and were declared not genuine.

“Documents and evidence obtained from the process in Singapore have also been handed over to Indonesian investigators,” Yosia added. (Bembo)