On 12 Aug 2003, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers conducted a check on a male Sri Lankan at a bus stop along Geylang Road. A body search was conducted on the 27 year-old male and ICA officers found two Sri Lanka passports in his possession. One of the passports belongs to him and he has a valid social visit pass endorsement in his passport. Further checks revealed that the second passport, which belonged to an unknown holder, contained a forged immigration extension endorsement.

2 The Sri Lankan subsequently led the officers back to a flat in Gloucester Road where another 23 year-old male Sri Lankan was found. The second Sri Lankan has a valid Social Visit Pass endorsement in his passport. ICA officers conducted a thorough check of the premise. Besides uncovering three forged Singapore immigration stamps, ICA officers also found two Sri Lankan immigration stamps during the check. The following items were also uncovered:

a) Three number stamps;
b) Two date stamps; and
c) Four ink pads

3 Preliminary investigation revealed that the both the 27 year-old and 23 year-old Sri Lankans have been granted a 30-day and 14-day Social Visit Pass respectively upon entry into Singapore. It is believed that the 27 year-old Sri Lankan has been involved in the forgery activities where forged Singapore and Sri Lankan immigration endorsements would be stamped on Sri Lanka passports for immigration offenders to leave Singapore. They were referred to the Police for criminal investigation into the forgery of Government documents.

4 The Singapore authorities take a serious view of attempts to forge immigration cards and other related documents. For forgery of passes or in possession of forged passes, the offender faces an imprisonment of up to seven years and shall be liable to a fine.

END OF NEWS RELEASE

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
12 Aug 2003