Singaporeans held over bogus dollars

BATAM, Riau: Barelang Police have arrested two Singaporeans for allegedly possessing six counterfeit US$100 bills at Nagoya Plaza Hotel, Batam.

Deputy chief of Barelang Police Comr. Dharmawan confirmed the arrest of Hok Lie and Peter, both under 30 years old.

Reports said that a member of the hotel staff checked the dollar notes from the two Singaporeans at the nearest money changer, PT Lestari Wira Patria, which concluded that the notes were all fake. Peter and Hok Lie were then arrested following reports from the money changer.

Sources at the Batam Police said that Hok Lie was found to be a police corporal, while Peter is a civilian.

However, Dharmawan declined to confirm this, saying that it was his superior who had the authority to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, the head of the Batam Immigration Office, Wachdijat, said the police had yet to contact his office concerning the two Singaporeans. He added, "It is likely to be a criminal case. We won't put them in quarantine, because they did not violate immigration regulations." (26/sur)