On Tuesday, Singapore announced a controversial new approach to combat the surge in scams that have plagued the city-state. As authorities grapple with record-high losses from fraudulent activities, they are considering implementing caning as a punishment for certain scam-related offences. This decision comes in response to staggering police reports indicating that at least SG$ 1.1 billion (approximately $817 million) was lost to scams in 2024 alone—a staggering 70 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Sun Xueling emphasised the gravity of the situation. “We will consider…caning to be prescribed for certain scam-related offences, recognising the serious harm they can cause,” she stated, underscoring the emotional and financial toll that these crimes inflict on victims.
Despite existing protective measures within the banking industry, scammers have evolved their tactics, making it increasingly challenging for authorities to keep pace. The rise of sophisticated schemes has left many citizens vulnerable and fearful. As Singapore intensifies its crackdown on these swindling syndicates, the potential introduction of corporal punishment raises significant ethical questions about justice and deterrence in modern society. The government’s bold move highlights an urgent need to address the escalating crisis of trust and safety among its residents.
In a troubling trend, authorities have noticed that scammers are now urging their victims to convert their money into cryptocurrencies before transferring funds. This tactic allows them to bypass traditional banking safeguards, making it harder for victims to recover their losses. “Crypto-related cases now account for nearly 25 per cent of all scam losses,” she revealed, highlighting the growing influence of digital currencies in fraudulent schemes.
She strongly advised Singaporeans to “steer clear of cryptocurrencies” as they present significant risks. The rise in scams has been particularly pronounced on messaging platforms like Telegram, where the anonymity it offers has attracted unscrupulous individuals. Reports indicate that the number of scams on Telegram nearly doubled in 2024.
In response to these alarming developments, she called on Telegram to implement stronger verification measures. Meanwhile, the government is actively exploring “legislative levers to ensure compliance” and enhance user safety.
In recent years, Singaporean authorities have ramped up efforts to combat scamming through public education initiatives. This includes launching a national scam hotline and introducing the “ScamShield” app in 2020, which helps users identify suspicious calls, websites, and messages. As the landscape of scams evolves, so too does the commitment to protecting citizens from these relentless threats.
In a candid moment last year, then-premier Lee Hsien Loong shared a personal experience with local media, revealing that he had fallen victim to an online scam. An item he had ordered never arrived, underscoring the pervasive nature of cybercrime, which affects individuals from all walks of life.
This incident highlights a troubling trend: the rise of cyber scam centres in Southeast Asia. These notorious hubs lure foreigners, often under pretences, to work in operations that defraud unsuspecting victims through romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
The situation has reached alarming proportions, with the United Nations estimating that as many as 120,000 people—predominantly from China—are trapped in these scam compounds in Myanmar. Many are subjected to gruelling conditions and exploited for their labour in schemes designed to deceive others.
In a significant development last month, hundreds of Chinese nationals were repatriated from Myanmar, making their way home through Thailand. This repatriation is part of a broader crackdown on transnational crime that aims to dismantle these illicit operations.
Authorities are actively planning to bring back thousands more individuals stranded in makeshift camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. The push to address these issues reflects a growing recognition of the need to combat cybercrime and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.
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