Singapore Mandates Caning for Online Scammers

Singapore's parliament has passed sweeping amendments to the criminal code, introducing mandatory caning as a punishment for online scammers and members of scam syndicates, in response to a surge in fraud cases that have cost residents billions.

The Criminal Law Miscellaneous Amendments Bill, approved on Tuesday, targets cheating offenses committed primarily through remote communication, such as phone or internet scams. Offenders will face at least six strokes of the cane, with the maximum rising to 24 strokes depending on the severity of the crime. The penalty applies only to male individuals under the age of 50 and will be administered by trained personnel after a medical examination. Members and recruiters for organized scam syndicates, which authorities describe as highly culpable due to their scale and profitability, will also receive mandatory minimum caning of six strokes. Those who knowingly facilitate scams, including so-called money mules who provide bank accounts, SIM cards or digital credentials, could face up to 12 strokes at the court's discretion.

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann, who presented the bill, emphasized the measure's role in...