Singapore is poised to amend its criminal code so that online scammers receive a minimum of six strokes of the cane, marking a decisive escalation in the city‑state’s fight against fraud.
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann told parliament that scam losses have ballooned to more than S$2.8 billion between 2020 and mid‑2025, with roughly 190,000 cases reported, and that the amendment presented for a second reading aims to deter syndicates that exploit remote communication to cheat victims.
The proposed legislation also targets “money mules” and other enablers, who could now face up to 12 strokes of the cane at the court’s discretion.
By extending the penalty to recruiters and syndicate members, the government hopes to dismantle the ecosystem that fuels large‑scale fraud, which now accounts for about 60 % of all reported crimes in Singapore.
Authorities have already seized over S$115 million in assets linked to a Cambodian‑based scam network, underscoring the scale of the problem . While caning is being introduced for fraud, the amendment also recalibrates its use for other offences, removing it for some while keeping it for serious crimes.
The move is part of a broader “whole‑of‑society” approach that includes public‑education campaigns, the ScamShield app, and tighter cooperation with tech platforms to curb fraudulent activity.
Lawmakers remain split on its deterrent value, but the government insists the harsh penalty is essential to protect citizens from the financial and emotional devastation wrought by scams .
What do you think Singapore’s approach says about how societies balance punishment and prevention when it comes to cybercrime?
