Two Indian nationals were apprehended at Changi Airport on June 19 after orchestrating the theft of a 4.95-carat diamond, valued at US$154,000 (S$199,000), from a jewellery store in Chinatown. Mangroliya Manojkumar Kurjibhai, 41, and Serasiya Milan Ramnikbhai, 30, were intercepted by authorities while attempting to clear immigration for a flight back to India, according to court documents.
The Theft at Dianoche Jewellery
The incident occurred at the Dianoche jewellery store on Kreta Ayer Road at approximately 3 p.m. on June 19. According to State Prosecuting Officer (SPO) Yip Cheng Yee, the pair had pre-planned the theft and commissioned a counterfeit diamond in India that matched the specific serial number and specifications of the genuine stone.
During the visit, Mangroliya requested to view the 4.95-carat diamond. He then repeatedly asked the sales manager to retrieve other items, creating opportunities for the manager to step away from his seat. Court documents state that Mangroliya signaled Serasiya to execute the swap. Serasiya, who had been concealing the counterfeit stone in his mouth, spat it out and replaced it with the genuine diamond, which he then hid in his own mouth.
Did You Know? The suspects arrived in Singapore with a custom-made counterfeit diamond specifically commissioned to match the serial number and physical specifications of the targeted 4.95-carat stone.
Detection and Legal Consequences
The store’s manager later confirmed the theft after using an optical gemstone identification machine to examine the stone left behind. Although the pair departed the store and checked out of their hotel, they were arrested at Terminal 3 of Changi Airport at approximately 9 p.m. that same evening. Officers recovered the genuine diamond from Serasiya’s haversack.
Mangroliya pleaded guilty to a charge of theft and was sentenced on July 17 to two years, two months, and two weeks in jail. Serasiya’s case remains pending in the court system. Under Singapore law, individuals convicted of theft can face a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the store confirm the diamond was fake?
The store manager used an optical gemstone identification machine to verify the authenticity of the stone after the suspects had left the premises.
What was the value of the stolen diamond?
The 4.95-carat diamond is valued at US$154,000, or approximately S$199,000.
What is the current legal status of the two men?
Mangroliya Manojkumar Kurjibhai has been sentenced to two years, two months, and two weeks in jail. The case against Serasiya Milan Ramnikbhai is still pending.
How might this incident influence security measures in high-end jewellery stores moving forward?
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