Singapore to Auction 80 Properties and 1,000+ Luxury Items From S$3 Billion Money Laundering Case
Singapore is moving into a new asset-realisation stage in its landmark S$3 billion money laundering case, with more than 80 forfeited properties and over 1,000 luxury items set to be progressively sold from September 2026.
Deloitte, which was appointed by the Singapore Police Force to manage and realise remaining non-cash assets from the case, said on 29 August that the first two online auctions will open on 7 September. The initial sales will cover jewellery and handbags, while further tranches will include luxury watches and other items.
Fifteen auctions planned through May 2027
Local auction house Hotlotz plans to conduct 15 timed, online-only auctions between September 2026 and May 2027, with more than 1,000 items expected to be offered. The first two auctions will open for bidding at 10am Singapore time on 7 September and close on 20 September.
The first phase is expected to include more than 300 luxury handbags and accessories from brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, together with more than 250 pieces of fine jewellery including items from Graff, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels. Later auctions are expected to include Hermès handbags and watches from Patek Philippe, Richard Mille and Rolex.
The sales will be open to international participants. Hotlotz said bidders must register for each auction and complete identity-verification steps. Physical viewings will be available by appointment, with most expected to take place at Le Freeport in Changi.
More than 80 properties also moving to sale
Deloitte said the real estate linked to the laundering network will be handled by SRI, Edmund Tie & Company (SEA) and Knight Frank. Selected properties may also be offered through an expression-of-interest process by List International Realty. Deloitte said some assets may be realised through other methods, including limited tender or direct sale.
All proceeds from the asset sales will be paid into Singapore’s Consolidated Fund. A police spokesperson told The Straits Times that about S$1.4 billion in cash held in seized bank accounts and other liquidated proceeds had already been paid into the fund by the end of the 2025 financial year.
Police seized or took control of around S$1.25 billion in non-cash assets during the investigation, including properties, vehicles, art, watches, jewellery, gold bars, handbags and alcohol. The case began with islandwide raids on 15 August 2023 that led to the arrest of 10 foreigners, all of whom were subsequently convicted and deported.
The new auction programme is significant because it moves a major financial-crime case beyond seizure and forfeiture into large-scale recovery and monetisation of criminal assets, providing a visible example of how confiscated property is ultimately returned to the state.
