Reported Parties Explain Alleged Fake Singapore Dollar Case

The legal team representing AN and EAK, the reported parties, has spoken out regarding the alleged forgery of Singapore Dollars valued at SGD 340,000, or approximately IDR 4.7 billion. The case was reported by a citizen, identified by the initials DM, to the Metro Jaya Regional Police on 3 July 2026, and was subsequently transferred to the South Tangerang Police.

Saleh Balfas, legal counsel for AN and EAK, stated that according to his clients, the series of events began with 34 notes of SGD 10,000 from the 1973 series, which allegedly belonged to an individual identified as HJ. This money was presented to AN as old currency. HJ claimed the notes were an inheritance from his late parents.

“HJ offered AN the opportunity to find a way to exchange the notes for smaller SGD denominations. At that time, HJ proposed an agreement where a certain amount would be given to HJ once AN successfully completed the exchange,” Saleh said in a statement on Sunday (20/9).

“AN then attempted to bring one SGD 10,000 note as a trial, leaving a deposit of IDR 70 million with HJ,” he added.

Initially, AN requested EAK’s assistance to exchange the currency through banking partners. However, this was unsuccessful as the 1973-series SGD 10,000 notes are no longer in circulation in Indonesia. Information was later obtained suggesting the notes could be exchanged directly in their country of origin, Singapore.

In short, AN was introduced by a contact, R, to Steven, an individual who frequently travels to Singapore and was capable of transporting and exchanging the SGD 10,000 note. Notably, Steven is the husband of DM, the individual who reported the alleged forgery to the police.

“AN told S about the origin of the 1973-series SGD 10,000 notes and identified HJ as the original owner of the 34 notes,” said Saleh.

On 8 June 2026, one SGD 10,000 note was handed to Steven to be taken to Singapore. On 10 June 2026, Steven informed AN that he had successfully exchanged the note for 85 pieces of the latest SGD denominations, totalling SGD 8,500. S also confirmed to AN that he held 50 pieces of SGD 100 notes, totalling SGD 5,000. According to S, 35 of those notes (totalling SGD 3,500) were immediately deducted for mediator fees of SGD 3,000, and S took a commission of SGD 500.

On the same day, Steven and AN met at the Bekasi Samsat office parking lot. There, S handed the 50 pieces of new SGD 100 notes to AN, witnessed by AN’s associate, AH. AN claimed that Steven insisted on taking the remaining 33 pieces of SGD 10,000 notes from HJ’s residence back to Singapore for exchange. AN contacted HJ via telephone to relay this plan.

As the owner of the money, HJ requested a larger deposit as a guarantee. Consequently, AN suggested to Steven that they transport the notes in batches of five to keep the deposit manageable. However, Steven insisted on taking all the notes at once to avoid multiple trips and to save on accommodation costs. AN then proposed that S provide a deposit of IDR 500 million to be given to HJ.

To secure this deposit, Steven requested that AN provide collateral. AN agreed, and they arranged to conduct the exchange of the remaining 33 notes at Summarecon Mall Serpong on 11 June 2026. AN even contacted his sibling, EAK, to borrow a vehicle to serve as the agreed collateral.

However, AN revealed that the deposit provided by Steven was only IDR 400 million, despite the agreed amount of IDR 500 million. Nevertheless, the transaction proceeded. During the process, AN and S physically inspected the notes using an ultraviolet light. Based on this simple inspection, they believed the notes were authentic, and Steven proceeded to take them to Singapore.

On the afternoon of 12 June, Steven informed EAK via telephone regarding potential issues with the authenticity of the money. Steven then became unreachable until the afternoon of 13 June. Once contact was re-established, Steven explained the chronology of his time in Singapore and the issues regarding the 33 pieces of SGD 10,000 notes.

“Essentially, S stated that he failed to exchange the money because it was suspected to be counterfeit, and he was unable to bring the notes back to Indonesia as they were detained by the relevant authorities in Singapore,” said Saleh.

“Our clients also asked S for receipts or proof that the money was indeed being held in Singapore, but S could not provide any such documentation,” he added.

Saleh stated that his clients have been cooperative throughout the investigation and have attended clarification summons at the South Tangerang Police. He added that his clients are currently waiting for the truth regarding these alleged events to be revealed.