Scammers and their native cash mules might now face caning beneath new amendments handed by Singapore’s Parliament, a part of efforts to curb on-line fraud and dismantle networks that allow transnational syndicates.
The Prison Regulation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Invoice, handed on 4 November, introduces caning as a brand new penalty for scam-related offences.
Courts could impose the punishment at their discretion to replicate every offender’s degree of culpability, significantly amongst cash mules.
The utmost variety of strokes prescribed beneath the brand new regulation is 12, which the Ministry of Residence Affairs mentioned was enough for now.
Senior Minister of State for Residence Affairs and Overseas Affairs Sim Ann mentioned the amendments intention to discourage those that knowingly or recklessly help rip-off syndicates by offering financial institution accounts, SIM playing cards or Singpass credentials.
She mentioned the method is calibrated, giving courts room to contemplate intent and involvement.
Sim added that monetary hardship can’t justify participation in scams, which frequently depart victims with lasting monetary and emotional hurt.
She mentioned stronger penalties kind a part of a broader “whole-of-society method” that additionally includes schooling, expertise and enforcement.
Curbing On-line Scams and Digital Exploitation
A number of members of Parliament raised questions on deterrence, proportionality and scope.
Sim clarified that the improved penalties apply solely to offences dedicated after the regulation takes impact and that sentencing will observe established judicial tips.
She additionally confirmed that caning is not going to apply to offenders aged above 50.
The federal government doesn’t plan to evaluate this restrict, and courts could impose as much as 12 months of imprisonment as an alternative.
Sim mentioned the improved penalties goal deceit carried out primarily via distant communication, resembling on-line or phone-based scams, which permit syndicates to succeed in victims with out coming into Singapore.
Within the first half of 2025, scammers used on-line platforms to method victims in about 82% of all circumstances.
Authorities have directed corporations resembling Meta to take away fraudulent adverts and impersonation accounts, with additional legislative motion attainable if platforms fail to conform.
Worldwide cooperation has additionally intensified. Underneath the Frontier+ initiative, which now spans 13 jurisdictions, joint operations between Could and June 2025 led to 1,800 arrests and the restoration of greater than S$26 million.
Sim mentioned the amendments replicate Singapore’s ongoing effort to maintain its legal guidelines efficient and honest.
“The federal government often opinions our prison legal guidelines to make sure that they continue to be efficient, honest and conscious of the altering atmosphere,”
she instructed Parliament.
Featured picture: Edited by Fintech Information Singapore, based mostly on picture by user36718402 through Freepik
