Singapore to Introduce Mandatory Caning for Fraud Offenders Under New Criminal Law
Singapore will implement mandatory caning for fraud offenders under a newly passed criminal law, following the city-state’s losses of nearly S$4 billion (about RM12.85 billion) due to fraud over the past six years, reported Anadolu Agency (AA).
According to The Straits Times, individuals convicted of running or assisting fraud syndicates will face a minimum of six strokes of the cane, in addition to fines and imprisonment. The maximum punishment can reach 24 strokes, depending on the severity of the offense.
Under the new legislation, syndicate members, recruiters, and accomplices — including “account mules” who provide bank accounts, SIM cards, or digital identities — will also be held legally accountable.
Since 2019, Singapore has suffered losses exceeding S$3.4 billion (approximately RM10.93 billion) from fraudulent activities, including a record S$1.1 billion (around RM3.53 billion) in 2024 alone.
Other amendments in the law introduce harsher penalties for sexual offenses, abuse causing death to vulnerable victims, doxxing (disclosing personal information of public officials), and the distribution of obscene materials.
Those who distribute obscene content to 10 or more people may face up to two years in prison, or a maximum of four years if the offender is under 18.
For sexual grooming, the maximum jail term is increased to seven years for victims under 14, and five years for victims aged 14 to 17.
Singapore’s legal jurisdiction will also be expanded to cover cases where either the perpetrator or victim is overseas.
The maximum prison sentence for offenders causing death to vulnerable victims has been raised from 20 years to 30 years or life imprisonment.
