Two Men Arrested for S$235,000 Diamond Theft at Changi Airport, June 21

By Danny Kontos

June 21, 2026

07:41 AM

3 min read

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Key Points

Two men arrested at Changi Airport Terminal 3 within three hours of theft.

Diamond worth S$235,000 stolen from Kreta Ayer Road jewellery store on June 19.

Men replaced genuine stone with fake before leaving without purchase.

Police recovered stolen diamond and charged men with theft in dwelling with common intention.

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Two men aged 30 and 42 were arrested on June 19 at Changi Airport Terminal 3 for allegedly stealing a diamond worth S$235,000 (US$182,000) from a jewellery store in Chinatown. Police recovered the stolen diamond within three hours of receiving the report. The men face up to seven years in jail if convicted of theft in a dwelling with common intention.

How the Theft Unfolded

The two men entered the jewellery store on Kreta Ayer Road on June 19 at 3.40pm and showed interest in purchasing the diamond. While examining the genuine stone, they replaced it with a fake one and left without making any purchase. The shop assistant grew suspicious and discovered the switch after conducting a check. Police received the report at 3.40pm and launched immediate follow-up investigations using CCTV footage and police camera records.

Swift Arrest at the Airport

Officers from the Central Police Division and Police Operations Command Centre identified the two men through ground enquiries and video evidence. The men were arrested at Changi Airport Terminal 3 within three hours of the initial report on June 19. The stolen diamond was recovered and seized as evidence. The men’s nationalities were not disclosed by police.

Charges and Police Warning

Both men were set to be charged on June 20 with theft in a dwelling with common intention. If convicted, each faces up to seven years in jail and a fine. Police warned shop owners selling luxury items to be vigilant against similar sleight-of-hand tactics. The Singapore Police Force stated it has zero tolerance for such crimes and will continue to apprehend offenders.

Final Thoughts

The arrest demonstrates Singapore’s rapid police response to high-value theft and effective use of airport security systems. Jewellery retailers should implement additional verification procedures to prevent similar swap schemes.

FAQs

What was the value of the stolen diamond?

The diamond was valued at S$235,000, approximately US$182,000. It was stolen from a jewellery store located in Chinatown.

How quickly were the suspects arrested?

Police arrested both men at Changi Airport Terminal 3 within three hours of the theft report, which was made at 3:40pm on June 19.

What are the maximum penalties if convicted?

Each suspect faces up to seven years imprisonment and a fine if convicted of theft in a dwelling with common intention.

Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.

About Author

Danny Kontos

Co Founder

Danny Kontos has been a stock investor since 2007 and co-founded Meyka in 2023. He keeps a small, focused portfolio and only moves when the numbers are hard to argue with. He has waited years on a single position before. Before Meyka, he ran a web hosting company and a mortgage lending platform, so he knows what a well-run business actually looks like under the hood. This article did not come from a news cycle. It came from someone who has been watching this space for a long time.