Full Breakdown
Italian Man's Attempt to Sell Fake Rolex Results in Jail Time
4/20/2026, 7:46:14 PM
Overview of the Incident
In Singapore, an Italian man named Deepak Singh, 24, was sentenced to seven months in jail for attempting to cheat a watch retailer by selling a Rolex GMT Saru he believed to be fake. Singh purchased the watch from an acquaintance known as "Matteo" for 55,000 euros (approximately S$82,295) and a Cartier bracelet valued at about 5,000 euros. After doubts about the watch's authenticity arose, Singh attempted to sell it in Singapore for S$94,700 (US$74,446), believing he was committing a fraud.
Details of the Transaction
On November 28, 2025, Singh visited The Watch Room in Bencoolen, where he negotiated the sale of the watch with the shop's director. Instead of accepting cash, Singh requested three other Rolex watches valued collectively at S$94,700. The victim, after verifying the authenticity of the warranty card, agreed to the exchange. Singh presented a forged version of his passport, altering his name and passport number to evade legal repercussions.
Post-Sale Developments
After the exchange, the victim became suspicious and sought further verification from other retailers. Upon inspection, it was determined that the serial number on the Rolex GMT Saru had been altered, leading the victim to believe the watch was indeed fake. Singh, upon realizing the situation, attempted to flee Singapore by booking a flight to Rome with a layover in Helsinki. However, he was arrested at Changi Airport shortly before departure.
Legal Proceedings
During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Sean Teh emphasized that Singh's actions constituted substantial steps toward committing a cheating offense, despite the watch being genuine. The prosecutor argued that Singh's intent to cheat was clear, as he had taken definitive actions to complete the sale. The court recognized this case as an "impossible attempt," where the primary offense could not be consummated due to the actual authenticity of the watch.
Sentencing and Implications
Singh was sentenced to seven months in prison, having pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to cheat. The prosecution had sought a longer sentence of 12 months, citing the high value of the item involved. Singh could have faced up to three years in prison, fines, or both for his actions.
Criticism and Opposition
While the prosecution argued for a harsher sentence based on the potential harm to the victim, the defense may have contended that Singh's belief in the watch's inauthenticity mitigated his culpability. However, the court ultimately focused on the actions taken by Singh, which demonstrated a clear intent to commit fraud.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was not a case where the accused had voluntarily desisted from cheating the victim at a late stage; rather, this was an accused who followed through with his attempt to cheat the victim to completion, and subsequently booked the first flight out of Singapore to evade arrest,” — Deputy Public Prosecutor Sean Teh
- “substantial steps taken towards the commission of a cheating offence and are strongly corroborative of his intention to cheat the victim” — Deputy Public Prosecutor Sean Teh
This case highlights the complexities of legal definitions surrounding attempts to commit fraud, particularly in scenarios where the intended crime cannot be completed due to unforeseen circumstances.
