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The Singapore Police Force (SPF), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Singapore Customs (Customs) conducted a multi-agency enforcement operation between 13 and 19 January 2026 across the land, air, and sea checkpoints, to detect and enforce against non-compliance of Singapore’s Cross-Border Cash Reporting Regime (CBCRR) and other illegal cross-border activities. 

During the week-long operation, the authorities conducted enhanced checks on travellers and vehicles at the checkpoints. More than 10,000 travellers and 260 vehicles were identified for checks, and over 14,000 pieces of luggage and hand-carry bags were scanned or searched. 

CBCRR Offences

The CBCRR is part of the SPF’s efforts to curb money laundering, terrorist financing and other criminal activities. Singapore takes a serious view against cash smuggling and any related money laundering activities, and will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against any individuals who commit these offences and persons who facilitate them.

During the operations, ICA detected two travellers moving cash exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) into and out of Singapore without declaration or with inaccurate declaration:

1. On 13 January 2026, a 46-year-old female foreign traveller was detected moving cash in multiple foreign currencies amounting to S$24,965 into Singapore without declaration. She was issued with a Notice of Warning. 
   
   
2. On 14 January 2026, a 49-year-old male foreign traveller was detected attempting to move cash cheques amounting to S$91,789 out of Singapore without declaration. He was issued a composition sum of S$9,000. 

Members of the public are reminded that it is a statutory requirement to report the cross-border physical movement of Cash or Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNIs) if the total value exceeds S$20,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency). Travellers must submit a declaration electronically within 72 hours before entering or leaving Singapore through the MyICA mobile app or via ICA’s website.  

Failure to report or to accurately report the movement of CBNIs exceeding S$20,000 is an offence punishable under Section 60(2) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992. Offenders are liable to be fined up to S$50,000 or imprisoned for a term of up to three years, or both. A confiscation order may also be issued for any part of the cash, in relation to which the offence was committed. More information on cross border cash movement reporting can be found on SPF’s website.  

Customs Offences

70 travellers were caught for failing to declare and pay taxes on:

1. cigarettes and/or tobacco products; 
2. liquors exceeding their duty-free concession; and
3. goods exceeding Goods and Services Tax (GST) import relief.

The total duty and GST evaded amounted to S$3,398, and S$21,990 in composition sums were imposed. The cases include a traveller carrying six sets of undeclared roller blinds, another with undeclared assorted luxury goods, and a third with undeclared smartwatches. All offences were compounded. 

Under the Customs Act, individuals involved in the fraudulent evasion of customs or excise duties may face a fine of up to 20 times the amount evaded, or imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

Travellers are responsible for accurate and complete declarations of dutiable and GST payable items. To avoid penalties, they are encouraged to declare and make payment for such goods up to three days before arrival using the Customs@SG Web Application, which is also available on the MyICA mobile app. Travellers may also declare and make payment on-site for dutiable and GST payable items using the Customs Declaration Kiosks located at the air, land and sea checkpoints and terminals. All cigarettes and tobacco products must comply with the standardised packaging requirements. Non-compliant products will be disposed of at the checkpoints. 

Safeguarding Singapore’s Borders

Safeguarding Singapore’s borders remains a top priority for ICA. ICA will continue to work with the relevant authorities to detect and deter smuggling, to keep Singapore safe. 

Photos of the Joint Operation

Checks by various agencies










A traveller at Woodlands Checkpoint did not declare six sets of roller blinds meant for customer delivery in Singapore. [Photo: Singapore Customs]

A traveller at Changi Airport was caught for not declaring assorted luxury goods purchased overseas, with the total value exceeding his GST import relief. [Photo: Singapore Customs]
                                     


Another traveller at Changi Airport was found carrying undeclared brand-new smartwatches. [Photo: Singapore Customs]