Latest news with #DavidChew
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- AsiaOne
Over 170 travellers nabbed for evading GST, smuggling large sums of cash in island-wide operation, Singapore News
More than 170 travellers were caught across Singapore's land, air, and sea checkpoints for smuggling cash and evading tax payments on imported goods in a week-long multi-agency enforcement operation. Over 19,000 travellers and 1,600 vehicles were identified for the checks carried out from May 21 to May 27, according to a joint news release on Saturday (May 31). The operation involved the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Singapore Customs (Customs), National Parks Board (NParks), and Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Among those held, 14 foreigners — aged between 26 and 77 — were nabbed for moving cash exceeding $20,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency into and out of Singapore without declaration or with inaccurate declaration. One of these cases on May 24 involved three male travellers who were separately detected moving cash of various currencies valued between $22,938 and $541,000 into or out of Singapore without declaration. Of the 14, four were issued with Notices of Warning, while seven were issued with composition sums amounting to $27,000. The remaining three travellers are still undergoing investigations. According to the police, it is a crime not to report cash or currency of more than $20,000 when crossing Singapore's borders. If convicted, offenders will face a fine of up to $50,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both. The cash may also be confiscated. "We will take strict enforcement action against anyone who fails to make a full and accurate report of cash movements into or out of Singapore," said David Chew, director of the Commercial Affairs Department. Separately, 153 travellers were also caught for failing to declare and pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) on goods such as tobacco products, liquor, POPMART toys and undeclared luxury goods. In one case, a traveller was caught with four litres of Chinese liquor in excess of duty-free allowances. Another traveller was also caught with 20 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes. In total, the GST evaded amounted to $10,754 and $35,165 in composition sums were imposed. Under the Customs Act, those found guilty of the fraudulent evasion of customs or excise duties can face a fine of up to 20 times the amount evaded, or a jail term of up to two years. Travellers are also reminded to declare and make payment for taxable items prior to their arrival in Singapore. [[nid:710203]]
New Paper
3 days ago
- New Paper
Nearly 200 travellers fined for not declaring large cash amounts, evading GST and taxes on tobacco
Close to 200 travellers were caught at the land, sea and air checkpoints for not declaring more than $20,000 in cash, or not declaring or paying taxes on tobacco and other goods. The authorities nabbed 14 foreign travellers carrying cash exceeding $20,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency into or out of Singapore without making a declaration or declaring inaccurate amounts. Four of them, men aged between 26 and 71, were caught on May 21 bringing cash of various currencies amounting to between $20,700 and $380,139 across Singapore borders. Another traveller, a 55-year-old man, was caught two days later making an inaccurate declaration when moving $399,965 and RM1,621 (S$490) into Singapore. The cash is suspected to be linked to the traveller's unlicensed moneylending activities, said the authorities. The offenders were caught during a week-long operation carried out by government agencies between May 21 and May 27, said the Singapore Police Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore Customs, National Parks Board, and Health Sciences Authority in a joint statement on May 31. During the week-long operation, the authorities conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE Four of the 14 travellers were given warnings, while seven were fined a total of $27,000. Others are still under probe, and one has been charged with possessing property obtained from criminal activities. During the operation, the authorities conducted checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. More than 19,000 travellers and 1,600 vehicles were identified for checks, and more than 26,000 pieces of luggage and hand-carry bags were scanned or searched, the statement said. During the week-long operation, the authorities conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE It is a crime not to report cash or currency of more than $20,000 when crossing Singapore's borders. If found guilty, offenders can be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to three years, or both. The cash can also be confiscated. "Smuggling cash across borders is a way by which criminals launder proceeds of crime. Singapore will not tolerate such activities, said Commercial Affairs Department director David Chew. During the week-long operation, the authorities conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE Other travellers were found with Pop Mart toys and branded shoes, which they failed to declare. The authorities caught 153 travellers for failing to declare and pay taxes on cigarettes or tobacco products, liquor exceeding the duty-free allowance, or goods exceeding goods and services tax import relief allowances, such as souvenirs and gifts. During the week-long operation, the authorities conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE The total duty and GST evaded by these travellers amounted to $10,754, and they were fined a collective $35,165. In one case, a traveller was caught carrying 20 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes. Another had undeclared luxury goods and PopMart toys, while a third had four litres of Chinese liquor in excess of duty-free allowances. A traveller did not declare the four litres of Chinese liquor that was in excess of his duty-free allowance. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CUSTOMS On May 26, five male travellers aged between 26 and 45 were caught possessing e-vaporisers upon entering Singapore. HSA officers seized five e-vaporisers and fined the travellers. Anyone found guilty of the fraudulent evasion of Customs or excise duties can face a fine of up to 20 times the amount evaded, or a jail term of up to two years.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Nearly 200 travellers fined for not declaring large cash amounts, evading GST and taxes on tobacco
A traveller was caught for not declaring his GST-payable items, which include collectible toys and a pair of branded shoes. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CUSTOMS Nearly 200 travellers fined for not declaring large cash amounts, evading GST and taxes on tobacco SINGAPORE - Nearly 200 travellers were caught at the land, sea and air checkpoints for not declaring more than $20,000 in cash, not declaring or paying taxes on tobacco and other goods. The authorities nabbed 14 foreign travellers carrying cash exceeding $20,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency into or out of Singapore without making a declaration or declaring inaccurate amounts. Four of them, men aged between 26 and 71, were caught on May 21 bringing cash of various currencies amounting to between $20,700 and $380,139 across Singapore borders. Another traveller, a 55-year-old man, was caught two days later making an inaccurate declaration when moving $399,965 and RM1,621 (S$492) into Singapore. The cash is suspected to be linked to the traveller's unlicensed moneylending activities, said the authorities. The offenders were caught during a week-long operation carried out by government agencies between May 21 and May 27, said the Singapore Police Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore Customs, National Parks Board, and Health Sciences Authority in a joint statement on May 31. During the week-long operation, the authorities conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE Four of the 14 travellers were given warnings, while seven were fined a total of $27,000. Others are still under probe, and one has been charged with possessing property obtained from criminal activities. During the operation, the authorities conducted checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. More than 19,000 travellers and 1,600 vehicles were identified for checks, and more than 26,000 pieces of luggage and hand-carry bags were scanned or searched, the statement said. During the week-long operation, the authorities conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE It is a crime not to report cash or currency of more than $20,000 when crossing Singapore's borders. If found guilty, offenders can be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to three years, or both. The cash can also be confiscated. 'Smuggling cash across borders is a way by which criminals launder proceeds of crime. Singapore will not tolerate such activities, said the police commercial affairs department director David Chew. During the week-long operation, the authorities conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE Other travellers were found with Pop Mart toys and branded shoes, which they failed to declare. The authorities caught 153 travellers for failing to declare and pay taxes on cigarettes or tobacco products, liquor exceeding the duty-free allowance, or goods exceeding goods and services tax import relief allowances, such as souvenirs and gifts. During the week-long operation, the authorities conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE The total duty and GST evaded by these travellers amounted to $10,754, and they were fined a collective $35,165. In one case, a traveller was caught carrying 20 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes. Another had undeclared luxury goods and Popmart toys, while a third had four litres of Chinese liquor in excess of duty-free allowances. A traveller did not declare the four litres of Chinese liquor that was in excess of his duty-free allowance. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CUSTOMS On May 26, five male travellers aged between 26 and 45 were caught possessing e-vaporisers upon entering Singapore. HSA officers seized five e-vaporisers and fined the travellers. Anyone found guilty of the fraudulent evasion of customs or excise duties can face a fine of up to 20 times the amount evaded, or a jail term of up to two years. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Khaleej Times
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
POP MART to make first Middle East debut at MEFCC 2025
World-renowned designer toy brand POP MART is set to make its highly anticipated debut at the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. This marks the brand's first appearance at the region's largest and most celebrated pop culture event. With a strong commitment to shaping global pop culture, POP MART has captivated collectors worldwide through its innovative approach to art toys and its trendsetting designs. By combining creativity with a robust operational model, POP MART has introduced beloved characters such as MOLLY, DIMOO, THE MONSTERS, SKULLPANDA, and Hirono to a growing international fanbase. At MEFCC 2025, collectors and enthusiasts in the Middle East will, for the first time, step into POP MART's imaginative universe. The brand's presence will feature exclusive product drops, interactive exhibits, and the signature thrill of uncovering new collectibles—bringing the unique POP MART experience directly to the region's fans. "The UAE is a dynamic and fast-growing market, and we are incredibly thrilled to make our debut at MEFCC in Abu Dhabi,' said David Chew, go-to-market manager at POP MART. "This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with passionate fans, connect with new communities, and showcase POP MART's signature creativity. We can't wait to share the magic of POP MART with the international MEFCC audience." As POP MART continues its global expansion, the brand is redefining the way fans engage with collectible culture through its growing network of physical stores and ROBOSHOPs in major cities worldwide. Its participation in MEFCC 2025 is poised to be a milestone event, offering immersive brand experiences, highly sought-after collectibles, and unforgettable moments for pop culture lovers across the region. The Little Things, known for bringing the world's most iconic collectibles to the region, is the driving force behind POP MART's highly anticipated debut at the event. Commenting on this occasion, Hassan Tamimi, managing director of The Little Things said: "We're beyond excited to bring POP MART to MEFCC for the very first time. This year's Comic Con will be even more unforgettable with POP MART debut to the UAE market showcasing unique art toys and drop culture adding a fresh new energy to the scene. MEFCC 2025 is going to be a collector's paradise, and we can't wait for fans to experience it firsthand."
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Yahoo
Indonesian entering Singapore to be charged with money laundering after failing to declare US$20,000 cash
SINGAPORE, Feb 27 – An Indonesian man who failed to declare US$20,000 (RM88,835) cash he was carrying while entering Singapore will be charged for failure to declare cross-border movement of cash and money laundering offences On Feb 17, immigration officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) discovered the undeclared cash in his possession at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, according to a statement from the police issued yesterday. Investigations revealed that the money was allegedly payment the man had received in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, for services rendered to illegal online gambling operators, reported The Straits Times. The 35-year-old was said to have been advertising illegal gambling websites on social media platforms, mainly targeting Indonesians, between 2022 and 2025, according to the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD). The cash found in his possession appeared to have been converted from 326,000,000 rupiah – originating from Indonesia that was reportedly bound for Cambodia – with the intention to finance promotional activities for gambling sites. CAD Director David Chew said, 'Criminals often seek to bypass banking controls and oversight by transferring illicit proceeds in cash. 'Having previously intercepted illicit gambling funds within our banking system, Singapore has now detected and seized illicit cash stemming from an overseas crime syndicate.' The man faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of S$500,000 (RM1.66 million), or both, if convicted of possessing criminal gains. For failing to declare the cash, he could be fined up to S$50,000 (RM165,648) , imprisoned for up to three years, or face both penalties. Any portion of the seized money may also be forfeited.
