Singapore, 19th – An Indonesian tourist has been convicted by a Singapore court and sentenced to four months in prison for stealing casino chips from the renowned Marina Bay Sands. The incident occurred earlier this year when the tourist, identified as Silitunga (27 years old), found eight casino chips worth S$3,000 each (approximately RM10,357) outside the Ruby Room VIP hall.
According to the “South China Morning Post” report, Silitunga discovered the dropped chips and made the decision not to return them to the casino immediately. Instead, he promptly exchanged all eight chips for cash at the casino’s counter. Unbeknownst to him, his every move, from picking up the chips to cashing them out, was recorded by the casino’s closed-circuit television system.
After successfully cashing out the stolen chips, Silitunga swiftly exited the casino premises and headed to Changi Airport with the intention of purchasing air tickets to return to Indonesia. However, he soon realized that all flights from Singapore to Jakarta were fully booked for the day. Consequently, he was left with no choice but to spend the night at the airport. During this time, Silitunga contacted his friends and transferred S$2,000 (approximately RM6,904) of the cash he had obtained into his bank account.
On March 29, Silitunga was apprehended by authorities at the immigration checkpoint of Changi Airport. Despite repeated questioning by the police regarding the whereabouts of the stolen money, Silitunga refused to provide any information.
Under Singaporean law, individuals convicted of dishonestly embezzling funds from others can face a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences faced by those who engage in theft or fraudulent activities within Singapore’s jurisdiction. The conviction of Silitunga reinforces the commitment of the country’s legal system to uphold integrity and maintain the security of businesses, including casinos.
Marina Bay Sands, one of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, attracts visitors from around the world and is renowned for its luxurious amenities, including a high-end casino. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining strict security measures within such establishments to ensure the integrity of operations and the safety of guests.
As this case concludes, it serves as a deterrent for potential offenders and emphasizes Singapore’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting its reputation as a safe and secure destination for locals and tourists alike.
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