Singapore Enforces Mandatory Caning for Serious Scam Offences From Dec 30, 2025

A law allowing mandatory caning for serious scam offences came into effect in Singapore on Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed.

Under amendments to the Penal Code passed by parliament in November, individuals convicted of serious scam-related offences may be sentenced to a minimum of six strokes and up to 24 strokes of the cane, in addition to imprisonment and fines. The punishment applies to offenders involved in large-scale scams, organised scam syndicates, or repeat scam offences.

The law also applies to individuals who assist scam operations. Those found to have provided bank accounts, SIM cards, mobile numbers, digital payment accounts, or other tools used to facilitate scams may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes, depending on their level of involvement.

Singapore recorded more than US$2.8 billion in scam-related losses between 2020 and the first half of 2025, according to figures presented in parliament by

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann. Approximately 190,000 scam cases were reported during that period.

Reported cases covered a range of scam types, including online investment scams, cryptocurrency-related fraud, e-commerce scams, impersonation scams, and phishing schemes. Many investment scams involved victims being introduced to purported trading opportunities through social media platforms or messaging applications before being directed to transfer funds.

In several cases, victims were instructed to move money through local and overseas bank accounts, digital wallets, or cryptocurrency platforms controlled by scam syndicates. Fraudulent websites and mobile applications were used to display fake account balances, fabricated trading profits, or withdrawal restrictions to encourage further transfers.

Authorities said scam syndicates frequently relied on money mules to receive and move illicit funds. These individuals allowed their bank accounts or payment credentials to be used to collect scam proceeds, often across multiple transactions to avoid detection.

The new penalties took effect on 30 December 2025 and apply to offences committed after that date. Existing criminal penalties for scam offences, including imprisonment and fines, remain in force alongside the new caning provisions.