Singapore on Tuesday implemented one of its toughest measures yet against scam-related crimes, with offenders in serious cases now facing mandatory caning of up to 24 strokes, following the coming into force of a new law authorising corporal punishment.
The move reflects growing alarm in the city-state over the scale and sophistication of scams, which have cost victims billions of dollars in recent years and caused severe emotional distress, particularly among the elderly.
What the Law Changes
Before this amendment, scammers in Singapore were punished mainly through imprisonment, heavy fines, or both.
Depending on the offence, penalties included jail terms of up to 10 years, fines that could reach S$500,000, or longer sentences if offences were committed as part of organised crime syndicates.
However, caning — a punishment already used in Singapore for violent crimes, rape, robbery and drug trafficking — was not previously mandatory for scam offences.
Under the new provisions, courts must impose caning in serious scam cases involving:
Large financial losses
Multiple victims
Use of organised criminal networks
Abuse of vulnerable victims, such as the elderly
Judges retain discretion over the exact number of strokes, but the law sets a maximum of 24, in line with Singapore’s existing legal limits for judicial caning.
Why 24 Strokes?
The cap of 24 strokes is not unique to scam offences. It mirrors the maximum limit for caning under Singapore law for adults, applied in crimes considered particularly grave. Lawmakers said aligning scam punishments with other serious offences underscores the view that large-scale fraud can be as socially destructive as violent crime.
Authorities also argued that the physical punishment serves as a powerful deterrent, particularly for repeat offenders and organised syndicates who often see financial crime as low-risk and high-reward.
Rationale Behind the Crackdown
Singaporean officials have repeatedly warned that scams have evolved into a national security and social issue. Many cases involve cross-border networks, digital manipulation and psychological coercion that leave victims financially ruined.
By adding caning to existing penalties, the government aims to:
Raise the cost of committing scams
Deter organised criminal groups
Send a strong signal of zero tolerance
“This is about protecting society,” officials said during parliamentary debates, stressing that imprisonment alone has not been enough to stem the tide.
Debate and Reaction
Supporters of the law say the punishment is necessary given the devastating impact of scams on families and public trust. Critics, including human rights groups, argue that corporal punishment is excessive and question its effectiveness.
Singapore, however, has long defended caning as a lawful and effective deterrent, and public opinion within the country has generally favoured tough measures against crime.
A Clear Message
With the law now in effect, Singapore has drawn a sharp line: scam crimes are no longer treated as lesser, non-violent offences.
Instead, they are being elevated to the most serious tier of criminal wrongdoing — carrying penalties that reflect the deep harm they cause to individuals and society.
By Andrew Shyaka
