Italian man, 23, allegedly traded counterfeit Rolex watch for 3 genuine Rolex watches in Bencoolen

The Singapore police have arrested a 23-year-old Italian man for his suspected involvement in a case of cheating.

On Nov. 28, at about 7:30pm, the police were alerted to a case of suspected cheating at a watch shop along Bencoolen Street.

A man had allegedly traded in a branded luxury watch to a retailer in exchange for three genuine Rolex watches valued at about S$90,000.

During further authentication checks, the retailer discovered that the traded watch, a supposed Rolex watch, was counterfeit and subsequently alerted the police.

Through swift follow-up investigations, officers from Central Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him within three hours at Changi Airport Terminal 1, before he could depart from Singapore.

The three Rolex watches were recovered from the man.

He will be charged in court on Nov. 29 with the offence of cheating.

The offence of cheating carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.

The police warned members of the public that it is a serious offence to defraud retailers and they take a serious view against any person who may be involved in scams and frauds.

Offenders will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law, the police added.

Top photos via Singapore Police Force