An Indian tourist has been sentenced to two years, two months, and two weeks in prison in Singapore following an audacious attempt to steal a 4.95-carat diamond valued at S$200,000 (US$154,000) from a Chinatown
jewellery shop.
The offender, 41-year-old Mangroliya Manojkumar Kurjibhai, pleaded guilty to “theft in dwelling” on July 17. He was apprehended alongside his 30-year-old accomplice, Serasiya Milan Ramnikbhai, at Changi Airport just hours after executing the daring “sleight-of-mouth” heist.
The Premeditated Diamond Swap
The heist was far from an impulse act. Prior to arriving in Singapore on June 19, the pair commissioned a custom counterfeit diamond in India. The replica was meticulously crafted to match the exact dimensions, specifications, and serial number of the high-grade gemstone targeted at the Dianoche jewellery store on Kreta Ayer Road.
Upon touching down in the city-state, the duo headed straight to Chinatown around 3:00 pm. While inside the shop, Serasiya kept the fake diamond hidden in his mouth.
- The Distraction: Mangroliya asked the sales manager to display the 4.95-carat diamond alongside several other luxury items. As the manager left his seat multiple times to fetch additional pieces, Mangroliya signalled his accomplice to make the swap.
- The Mouth-Swap Trick: Serasiya spat out the fake diamond, placed it onto the tray, and concealed the real multi-carat gem inside his mouth.
- The Departure: Claiming they needed time to consider the purchase, both men walked out of the store “empty-handed”.
Caught at Changi Airport
The store assistant quickly grew suspicious and examined the returned gemstone using an optical identification device, confirming it was a fake. A review of security footage clearly captured the entire exchange on camera, prompting an immediate police response.
After leaving the shop, the suspects checked out of their hotel early and booked an evening flight back to India. However, Singapore authorities moved swiftly. Using CCTV tracking and ground intelligence, police intercepted the pair at Changi Airport Terminal 3 at approximately 8:50 pm—less than six hours after the incident.
Officers recovered the genuine diamond from Serasiya’s luggage during their arrest.
Strict Judicial Deterrence
During court proceedings, prosecutors highlighted the extensive premeditation and international travel involved in carrying out the crime. While “theft in dwelling” carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment alongside fines, the court handed Mangroliya a sentence of two years, two months, and two weeks.
The case against his accomplice, Serasiya, remains pending. The swift conviction reiterates Singapore’s uncompromising legal stance against retail theft and foreign criminal operations within its borders.
