Scammers and their local money mules could now face caning under new amendments passed by Singapore’s Parliament, part of efforts to curb online fraud and dismantle networks that enable transnational syndicates.
The Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, passed on 4 November, introduces caning as a new penalty for scam-related offences.
Courts may impose the punishment at their discretion to reflect each offender’s level of culpability, particularly among money mules.
The maximum number of strokes prescribed under the new law is 12, which the Ministry of Home Affairs said was sufficient for now.
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Sim Ann said the amendments aim to deter those who knowingly or recklessly assist scam syndicates by providing bank accounts, SIM cards or Singpass credentials.
She said the approach is calibrated, giving courts room to consider intent and involvement.
Sim added that financial hardship cannot justify participation in scams, which often leave victims with lasting financial and emotional harm.
She said stronger penalties form part of a broader “whole-of-society approach” that also involves education, technology and enforcement.
Curbing Online Scams and Digital Exploitation
Several members of Parliament raised questions about deterrence, proportionality and scope.
Sim clarified that the enhanced penalties apply only to offences committed after the law takes effect and that sentencing will follow established judicial guidelines.
She also confirmed that caning will not apply to offenders aged above 50.
The government does not plan to review this limit, and courts may impose up to 12 months of imprisonment instead.
Sim said the enhanced penalties target deceit carried out mainly through remote communication, such as online or phone-based scams, which allow syndicates to reach victims without entering Singapore.
In the first half of 2025, scammers used online platforms to approach victims in about 82% of all cases.
Authorities have directed companies such as Meta to remove fraudulent ads and impersonation accounts, with further legislative action possible if platforms fail to comply.
International cooperation has also intensified. Under the Frontier+ initiative, which now spans 13 jurisdictions, joint operations between May and June 2025 led to 1,800 arrests and the recovery of more than S$26 million.
Sim said the amendments reflect Singapore’s ongoing effort to keep its laws effective and fair.
“The government regularly reviews our criminal laws to ensure that they remain effective, fair and responsive to the changing environment,”
she told Parliament.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by user36718402 via Freepik
