Experts agree that while harsher penalties may act as a deterrent, more comprehensive measures are essential to diminish the temptation of engaging in scams.
One such victim, a woman from Clementi, was left shattered after losing not only her life savings but also her late father’s hard-earned money to a sophisticated malware scam. The emotional toll of her loss was palpable, illustrating the devastating impact these crimes have on individuals and families.
Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng has witnessed an alarming rise in the number of residents seeking assistance after falling prey to various scams. Many victims have approached him in local coffee shops, voicing their frustrations. They question why loan shark runners face severe penalties like caning while scammers seem to evade similar consequences.
This widespread concern prompted DDrTan to propose that caning be considered for those involved in scam-related offences during a recent parliamentary debate on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ budget.
The statistics paint a grim picture: Singaporean scam victims collectively lost a staggering $1.1 billion in 2024 alone, marking the highest figure recorded in a single year. Since 2019, over $3.4 billion has been reported lost to scams, a figure that likely underestimates the true extent of the problem, as many victims may not come forward.
As the community grapples with these unsettling realities, the need for more effective strategies to combat scams becomes increasingly urgent.
On March 4, during a parliamentary session, Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling addressed the growing concern over scams and their devastating impact on victims. She acknowledged the serious harm these fraudulent activities can inflict and stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is taking this issue very seriously.
In response to a question regarding the potential introduction of caning as a punishment for certain scam-related offences, a ministry spokeswoman emphasised the need for stringent penalties. “Scams can cause serious or even irreparable harm to victims,” she stated, underscoring the importance of holding offenders accountable.
While MHA did not specify which scam-related offences might warrant caning, Ms Sun highlighted the necessity for stiff sentences aimed at individuals who facilitate such crimes. This includes money mules—those who unwittingly assist scammers by providing their Singpass and bank account details to launder illicit proceeds.
Currently, individuals acting as money mules can be prosecuted under various laws, such as the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Offences (Confiscation of Benefits) Act and the Computer Misuse Act. However, they do not face the possibility of caning at this time. As the discussion unfolds, it remains clear that the government is exploring all avenues to combat the rising tide of scams in society.
In the ongoing battle against scams, the stakes have been raised significantly for those involved in laundering proceeds from these illicit activities. Individuals caught laundering scam money can face hefty fines of up to $250,000 and risk imprisonment for as long as five years or potentially both penalties. This strong stance reflects the seriousness with which authorities view financial crimes linked to scams.
In a related vein, disclosing Singpass credentials—critical for accessing various government services—carries severe repercussions. Offenders could face a maximum jail term of three years, fines reaching up to $10,000, or both.
The urgency of the situation is palpable. A recent Facebook post by The Straits Times regarding potential caning for scam-related offences sparked over 380 comments, with around 100 individuals expressing their support for such measures. This public engagement raises questions about the effectiveness of these punitive strategies.
Despite efforts from authorities—including public education campaigns, the development of the ScamShield app, and restrictions on banking transactions for repeat victims—the number of scam cases has surged annually since 2020.
Ms Sun from the Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted that money mules play a critical role in facilitating these scams, serving as the primary channel through which overseas scammers launder their profits and transfer them out of Singapore. From 2021 to 2024, over 33,000 money mules and scammers have been investigated, underscoring the scale of the challenge faced by law enforcement.
As authorities tighten their grip, the question remains: will these measures successfully deter scammers and protect the public?
In 2023, significant amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substance Abuse (CDSA) and the Computer Misuse Act (CMA) were enacted, marking a pivotal shift in the prosecution of individuals who sell their bank accounts and Singpass credentials. These changes aimed to combat the growing issue of money laundering and fraud in the digital age.
One of the most notable modifications allows authorities to charge money mules even if they assert ignorance about their accounts being exploited for scams. This development underscores a zero-tolerance approach toward those who facilitate financial crimes, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
In August 2024, the Sentencing Advisory Panel (SAP) took a firm stance by recommending that individuals found guilty of assisting scammers face a minimum imprisonment of six months. This proposal introduced stricter penalties compared to previous outcomes, which often involved fines or more lenient sentences.
Ms Sun, a prominent legal expert, noted that since the publication of these new guidelines, courts have increasingly opted for jail terms in such cases. The judicial system is sending a clear message: involvement in scams will not go unpunished.
In November 2024, former police officer Thye Wee Boon, aged 43, was sentenced to an astonishing eight years and eight months in prison. He was convicted of facilitating a foreign scam syndicate by laundering approximately $10 million through a shell company he had established.
The repercussions continued into January 2025 when Sakinah Waheeda Abdul Manan, 34, received a sentence of 14 months in jail. Her involvement stemmed from her bank account receiving nearly $4.8 million linked to a phishing scam, highlighting the serious consequences awaiting those who engage in such illicit activities.
These cases exemplify the tightening grip of law enforcement on financial crimes, aiming to deter future offenders and protect the integrity of the banking system.
Dr Tan has suggested that the introduction of caning could significantly alter the landscape in the ongoing fight against scams. He highlighted that individuals who participate as scam runners or money mules do not act impulsively; rather, their involvement is often premeditated.
“These individuals likely weigh their options,” Dr. Tan explained. “They assess the risks involved—how probable it is that they will be apprehended and what penalties they might face if caught.”
The deterrent effect of such a punishment is crucial. Nominated Member of Parliament Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim noted that historically, under British colonial rule, caning was strictly reserved for serious crimes involving physical harm, such as murder or rape.
Veteran criminal lawyer Ramesh Tiwary elaborated on the philosophy behind caning: “The principle is straightforward. If you inflict pain on another person, the state imposes a similar punishment to demonstrate the gravity of your actions.”
In Singapore today, caning extends beyond violent crimes to include offences like repeated drug use and harassment related to unlicensed moneylending. This evolution of punishment reflects a broader societal commitment to curbing crime and reinforcing accountability.
In 2010, a significant shift occurred in the legal landscape regarding unlicensed moneylending in Singapore. The government introduced mandatory caning for first-time offenders who aid these illicit lenders, particularly those known for harassing debtors and facilitating transactions through bank accounts.
The consequences of loan shark harassment are severe. Offenders face hefty fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, potential imprisonment of up to five years, and a punishment of six strokes of the cane. Similarly, those who provide their bank accounts to these unlicensed moneylenders confront even harsher penalties, with fines soaring between $30,000 and $300,000 and a maximum of four years in jail along with the same six strokes of the cane.
The introduction of such stringent measures has had a significant deterrent effect. Reports indicate a drastic decline in loan shark harassment cases, plummeting from 11,776 in 2011 to just 3,336 by 2020. Criminal lawyer Josephus Tan attributes this drop to the fear of corporal punishment, suggesting that caning acts as a strong deterrent against not only loan sharking but potentially scam-related offences as well.
However, some netizens voiced concerns that this punishment may not deter individuals over the age of 50, who cannot be subjected to caning. Yet, Mr. Tan reassures that these individuals would still face substantial repercussions. Courts have the authority to extend jail terms by up to one year for those who are exempt from caning, ensuring that the legal system remains firm against any form of financial exploitation.
“It will take some time to see the effects of caning, but we’ve got to start now,” he stated, his voice firm yet contemplative.
Mr Tiwary raised a critical perspective on the issue, expressing scepticism about caning as an effective deterrent for drug consumption. He pointed out that many individuals still re-offend even after experiencing this punishment. His concerns extended further to the specific case of money mules, questioning whether such measures would genuinely address the problem.
Before implementing caning, Mr Tiwary insisted that lawmakers should first assess whether the recent recommendations from the Sentencing Advisory Panel (SAP) for increased minimum jail terms have had a measurable deterrent effect.
Moreover, he emphasised the need for judicial discretion, arguing that caning should not be applied indiscriminately. He highlighted cases involving money mules who may be unaware that scammers were exploiting their accounts. “It’s a bit disproportionate to their knowledge or their involvement,” he explained, noting that caning leaves lasting scars—both physical and psychological.
Associate Professor Razwana weighed in on the debate, acknowledging that while caning might be perceived as an extreme measure, it could serve as a potential deterrent given the grave nature of scams and their devastating impact on victims. However, she cautioned against overlooking the need for balance in such punitive approaches. The conversation surrounding caning continues to evoke strong opinions, reflecting the complex nature of justice and deterrence in society today.
The associate professor, a dedicated researcher in ineffective criminal justice systems, emphasised the need for a nuanced approach to addressing crime. “We must strike a balance between deterrence and rehabilitation,” she passionately stated.
In her studies, she has found that individuals involved in financial crimes, such as money mules and scam runners, often act out of desperation. Many are driven by economic hardship or, at times, coercion from more powerful figures. The allure of quick financial gain can overshadow their judgment, leading them down a path of illegal activities.
However, she believes there is hope for change. “Educating these individuals about the legal consequences of their actions is crucial,” she explained. By increasing their financial literacy, they can better understand the risks and implications of their choices.
Moreover, she advocates for providing legitimate employment opportunities. “When people see viable paths to success that don’t involve scams, the temptation of quick money diminishes,” she asserted. With the proper support and guidance, it is possible to redirect lives toward positive outcomes, fostering a safer and more just society.
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