• Source:JND
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Singapore caning law:  In a bold move to tackle what it calls the country’s “most prevalent crime,” Singapore has introduced mandatory caning for online scammers, marking one of the toughest anti-fraud measures in the world. The legislation, passed by Parliament earlier this week, amends the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill to impose a minimum of six strokes of the cane on offenders convicted of scams or related offences.

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Sim Ann told lawmakers that the new penalties were necessary as scams now account for nearly 60 per cent of all reported crimes in Singapore. Between 2020 and mid-2025, more than 190,000 scam cases were reported, with total losses exceeding 3.7 billion Singaporean dollars (USD 2.8 billion).

“Offenders who commit scams, defined as cheating mainly by means of remote communication, will be punished with at least six strokes of the cane,” Sim Ann said, adding that members and recruiters of scam syndicates would face even harsher penalties of up to 24 strokes.

Targeting Scam Networks And Money Mules

Under the new law, individuals who provide tools such as SIM cards, Singpass credentials, or payment accounts to scammers, either knowingly or through negligence, can also be subjected to caning. Those who knowingly assist scam syndicates could face up to 12 strokes, while genuine victims deceived into aiding scams will not be penalised.

Sim Ann clarified that the government took a “calibrated approach” in crafting the law to ensure fairness, especially for low-level participants such as so-called “money mules.” However, she emphasized that financial hardship cannot be an excuse for criminal involvement.

Recalibrating Existing Laws

The bill also removes mandatory caning for some lesser offences like vandalism, making it discretionary for judges. Currently, Singapore’s criminal code lists 96 offences with discretionary caning and 65 with mandatory caning, a practice dating back to the 19th century under British colonial rule.

While caning remains controversial, Singapore maintains that it is an effective deterrent for serious crimes, including drug trafficking, rape, and now scamming. The punishment is reserved for male offenders under 50 years old, and is carried out only after a medical examination to ensure fitness.

The move comes amid growing frustration over the surge in online fraud, with syndicates often operating across borders. One recent case linked to a Cambodia-based scam ring saw losses of over 41 million Singaporean dollars and involved both Singaporean and Malaysian suspects.

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Singapore has also expanded its anti-scam measures in recent years, including launching the ScamShield app and a national hotline to help victims verify suspicious calls and messages.

Despite criticism from international rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which label caning a form of “torture,” the Singapore government insists the policy is necessary to maintain public order and deter future crimes.

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With scams now eclipsing traditional forms of crime, Singapore’s latest move underscores its long-standing reputation for zero tolerance toward criminal activity and signals to offenders that even digital deception will face physical punishment.

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