Scammers in Singapore now face mandatory caning of up to 24 strokes, as new laws take effect to combat record-high financial losses from fraud.
SINGAPORE: Scammers in Singapore now face mandatory caning of up to 24 strokes for serious offences, with the new law taking effect on Tuesday.
The city-state has intensified its crackdown on syndicates following record-high scam losses, with the Ministry of Home Affairs declaring that “fighting scams is a top national priority”.
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann told parliament last month that Singapore lost more than $2.8 billion to scams from 2020 to the first half of 2025.
Approximately 190,000 scam cases were reported during that period.
The caning penalty was part of amendments to the penal code passed by parliament in November.
It will be imposed in addition to other punishments like imprisonment and fines.
“Yes, it comes into effect today, 30 Dec 2025,” the home ministry confirmed.
Scammers, syndicate members, and recruiters “will face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, up to a maximum of 24 strokes”, the ministry stated earlier.
Individuals assisting scammers, including “money mules” providing bank accounts or SIM cards, face discretionary caning of up to 12 lashes.
Singaporean authorities have ramped up public education efforts against scams in recent years, including establishing a national hotline.
The government launched the ScamShield app in 2020, allowing users to verify suspicious calls, websites, and messages.
Former premier Lee Hsien Loong revealed last year that he was scammed when an online order never arrived, illustrating the widespread nature of the issue.
Cyberscam hubs, which lure foreigners into swindling people through romance and crypto investment cons, have proliferated across Southeast Asia.
Singapore police reported seizing over $115 million in assets linked to British-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, accused of running forced labour camps in Cambodia used as multi-billion dollar scam centres.
