A 64-year-old Singaporean man has been jailed two and a half years by the District Court for using a bogus bank letter.

He produced a confirmation of bank funds letter to a bank in Hong Kong in December. The letter, purportedly issued by a bank in England, said he had deposited US$5 billion in an account with the bank.

He asked the bank in Hong Kong to keep the document and issue a letter to confirm its custody. The bank reported the case to the Police and he was arrested.

Police found that he also processed 141 similar documents purportedly issued by different banks concerning ownership of several hundred tons of gold bullion.

A foil pack of three dangerous drug tablets was found on the defendant and he was charged with using a false instrument, possessing a false instrument, and possession of a part I poison.