Two Indian nationals, Mangroliya Kurjibhai, 41, and Serasiya Ramnikbhai, 30, have been charged with theft. On 17/7, a Singapore court sentenced Mangroliya to two years, two months, and two weeks in prison, while his accomplice awaits a separate trial.

Two Indian tourists steal a large diamond using a 'unique' scheme. *Straits Times*.

The indictment stated that the two had pre-planned to steal a 4,95-carat diamond, valued at SGD 200,000, from a jewelry store in Chinatown on Kreta Ayer Road. While the indictment did not specify how they identified their target, they had a fake diamond custom-made in India with specifications and a serial number identical to the real diamond at the store. On 19/6, the two entered Singapore by air and arrived at the target store around 3 PM that day.

Serasiya concealed the fake diamond in his mouth. Mangroliya posed as a customer, asking the staff to show him the diamond from the display case. Mangroliya distracted the salesperson by requesting to see several other items, causing the employee to leave their position multiple times. Taking advantage of this, Serasiya released the fake diamond from his mouth, swapped it for the real one, and placed the genuine gem in his mouth. Afterward, Mangroliya stated he needed more time to consider the purchase, and the two then left the store.

Security cameras recorded the duo's actions. The store later confirmed the diamond in its possession was counterfeit and reported the incident to the police. The indictment stated that the two defendants checked out of their hotel immediately after leaving the jewelry store and were arrested at 9 PM the same day while completing departure procedures at the airport. Police recovered the real diamond from Serasiya's backpack.

Under Singaporean law, individuals convicted of theft can face up to seven years imprisonment and a fine.

By Hai Thu, Straits Times