5 Filipinos charged after S$155,600 taken from man at Orchard underpass near Tang Plaza

Five Filipinos have been charged with stealing about S$155,600 in cash from a man at an Orchard Road underpass.

The man had just changed money at a nearby money changer on Thursday, 25 September 2026, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said.

At about 1:40pm, people bumped into him at the foot of an escalator in the underpass near Tang Plaza. He later found his haversack unzipped and the cash gone.

Arrested the same day

Officers from Tanglin Police Division traced the group with CCTV footage and police camera images.

They arrested one man and four women, all Filipino nationals aged between 31 and 57, within the same day.

Police recovered about S$152,800 of the money and seized it as case exhibits.

"The Police will not tolerate such brazen acts of crime and will spare no effort to apprehend such offenders," the SPF said.

Penalties

The five were charged in court on 26 September with theft with common intention, under Section 379 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, each faces up to three years in jail, a fine, or both.

The case is before the court, and the five have not been convicted.

Carrying cash in Orchard

Many kababayans pass through Orchard's money changers before a padala or a trip home, often with a month's pay or savings in one bag.

A few habits lower the risk:

• Split large sums between an inside zip pocket and your bag before you leave the counter.
• Wear a backpack on your chest in crowded underpasses and on escalators.
• If someone bumps into you, check your bag first.
• For big amounts, ask about a bank transfer or remittance instead of carrying cash.

If it happens to you

The SPF asks victims to stay calm, note what the person looks like and what they wore, and call the police right away.

Dial 999 in an emergency, or SMS 71999 if you cannot speak.

Filipino workers who need help can call the Migrant Workers Office's 24-hour line at +65 9113 6552.