December 27, 04:53 AM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 A Chinese businessman was fined $20,000 yesterday after he was arrested in October this year for trying to fly out of Singapore without declaring close to $1 million in casino winnings he was carrying in his two suitcases.
What's even more staggering was the amount of money he reportedly won at Resorts World Sentosa casino.
The businessman, Zhang Jie, 45, had won $4.6 million from gambling in just three days.
On Oct. 9, as he headed for Changi Airport straight from the casino to catch a flight to Thailand for business, he was arrested at about 3pm in Terminal 1.
An airport security officer found $933,870 in Singapore currency and NT$10,000 (S$420) in two bags.
Under the law, those entering or leaving Singapore with more than $30,000 must declare it.
Offenders could face up to $50,000 fine or jailed for up to three years.
His defence? Zhang's lawyer asked for no jail term to be imposed and said his client was unaware of such regulations to make currency declarations.
Suffice to say, the judge didn't really buy the argument. District Judge Lee Poh Choo noted that currency restrictions are common in many countries and Zhang could not have been unaware of it.
Zhang paid the fine yesterday. The money that was seized was returned to him.
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