Singapore Introduces Caning Penalty of 6 to 24 Strokes for Scammers Under Updated Law

Singapore has recently introduced stricter penalties for individuals involved in scams, including a measure that allows for judicial caning of up to 24 strokes. These new provisions, set to take effect on December 30, are part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s criminal laws in response to rising fraud cases. The updated regulations add to existing punishments, which already include imprisonment and monetary fines, according to reports from the Associated Press.

Under the revised framework, those directly involved in scams—ranging from recruiters to members of organized scam networks—may face between six and 24 strokes of the cane. Individuals who assist scammers indirectly, such as by laundering the proceeds of scams or providing essential items like national identification numbers or mobile SIM cards, could be subjected to up to 12 strokes. The legislation also stipulates that anyone who fails to take reasonable precautions to prevent their personal credentials from being misused for fraudulent activities may be liable for caning. Additionally, the law introduces discretionary caning provisions for other types of fraud offenses.

The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that these enhancements are designed to ensure Singapore’s criminal laws remain effective, fair, and adaptive to new threats. “Combating scams remains a top national priority. Despite some reduction in scam cases, the number of incidents and the associated financial losses continue to be a concern,” the ministry stated.

Statistics show that in the first half of 2025, Singaporeans lost a total of $350.9 million to scams. Although this figure represents a 12.6 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2024, authorities continue to view the financial impact as significant. The most prevalent types of scams in the city-state, according to the Singapore Government Technology Agency, include phishing schemes, fraudulent job offers, e-commerce and online shopping scams, get-rich-quick investment frauds, and impersonation scams. These categories consistently account for the majority of reported incidents.

Judicial caning, a form of corporal punishment involving repeated strikes to the bare buttocks with a rattan cane, has been an established legal penalty in Singapore for decades. It is applied to male offenders under the age of 50 for severe crimes such as robbery, sexual offenses, and violent acts, typically in conjunction with prison sentences. The practice has its origins in British colonial rule and continues to be employed in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Brunei. While caning has traditionally been reserved for serious criminal offenses, the recent legislative amendments mark a notable expansion of its application to include certain types of fraud.

The decision to impose corporal punishment on scammers was first proposed earlier in 2025, during discussions over the Home Affairs Ministry’s budget. Authorities argued that stricter consequences were necessary to deter increasingly sophisticated scam operations, which not only result in financial losses but also cause emotional distress and erode public trust. By introducing the possibility of caning, the government aims to send a clear message that fraudulent activities will be met with severe repercussions.

In addition to domestic measures, Singapore has also signaled its intent to hold international tech companies accountable for facilitating scams through their platforms. In September, the Home Affairs Ministry warned Meta, the parent company of Facebook, that it could face fines of up to one million Singapore dollars if it failed to implement stronger safeguards against impersonation scams. Daily fines of up to 100,000 Singapore dollars were threatened should the company not adopt measures such as facial recognition to prevent misuse of its social network. This move underscores Singapore’s commitment to leveraging both legal and technological tools in combating scams.

Experts note that the expansion of penalties, including the use of caning, reflects a broader trend of Singapore taking a proactive stance against cybercrime and financial fraud. By targeting not only the perpetrators but also those who enable scams, the law seeks to create a comprehensive deterrent effect. Authorities hope that the combination of imprisonment, fines, and corporal punishment will reduce the incidence of scams and limit the financial damage inflicted on victims.

The new laws will likely have a substantial impact on how scams are addressed in Singapore, both legally and socially. By holding all parties involved accountable—direct offenders, facilitators, and negligent credential holders—the government aims to foster a culture of responsibility and vigilance. While critics of corporal punishment may raise ethical concerns, supporters argue that the approach is necessary given the persistent and growing threat of scams.

As Singapore implements these measures starting December 30, authorities will continue to monitor scam trends closely. The overarching goal is to ensure that the criminal justice system remains responsive to emerging challenges while maintaining fairness and effectiveness. With fraud losses still in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, the country’s strengthened legal framework signals a robust commitment to protecting citizens and deterring financial crimes.