Singapore’s parliament has approved a new law introducing mandatory caning for individuals convicted of online scams, as the government intensifies its crackdown on cybercrime and fraud syndicates.
Under the new legislation, offenders found guilty of online scams defined as cheating through remote communication will receive a minimum of six strokes of the cane, in addition to other legal penalties.
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann announced the measure on Tuesday while presenting amendments to the country’s criminal code. She said the move aims to deter the growing wave of scam-related crimes that have cost Singapore more than $2.8 billion between 2020 and the first half of 2025.
During her presentation, Sim noted that over 190,000 scam cases were recorded within that period, describing the situation as a serious national concern.
“These syndicates mobilise significant resources to conduct and profit from scams, and have the highest level of culpability,” she said.
According to the bill, members of scam syndicates and recruiters will also face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, while accomplices including so-called “money mules” who lend out their bank accounts or SIM cards could receive up to 12 lashes.
Authorities in Singapore have in recent years ramped up efforts to combat online fraud, launching a national anti-scam hotline and the ScamShield app to help residents identify and report suspicious calls, websites, and messages.
The tough new penalties come amid a broader regional fight against organised cybercrime networks across Southeast Asia, many of which have been linked to large-scale investment and romance scams.