KUALA LUMPUR – Starting Tuesday, offenders convicted of scams or scam-related offences in Singapore may face caning under the recently passed Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2025, according to the Singapore Police Force.
This legislation, which was approved in November, introduces harsher penalties, including mandatory caning for scam syndicates and their recruiters.
The new law stipulates that scam mules – individuals who facilitate scams by laundering proceeds or providing essential tools such as SIM cards or Singpass credentials – may be subject to caning of up to 12 strokes.
However, those directly involved in running scams or as members of criminal syndicates could face mandatory caning of between six and 24 strokes.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reiterated in a statement on December 19 that combatting scams remains a national priority.
The rise in scam-related cases and financial losses continues to concern authorities. In its efforts to reduce the incidence of such crimes, the MHA emphasised the importance of public vigilance and caution, advising people not to share sensitive personal information like bank details, Singpass credentials, or SIM cards that could be exploited by criminals.
The legislation, effective from December 30, will apply to all individuals involved in scam activities, including those who knowingly or intentionally provide assistance to facilitate scams.
These enablers, referred to as scam mules, could face up to 12 strokes of caning if their actions aided a scam, or if they had reason to believe their actions would contribute to a criminal act and failed to prevent it.
Additionally, offenders under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which covers traditional cheating cases unrelated to scams, may also face discretionary caning of up to 24 strokes. The MHA acknowledged that certain types of cheating cases, though not directly linked to scams, may still warrant caning as a sentencing option.
The new penalties are part of the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2025, which was passed to ensure Singapore’s criminal laws are adapted to current challenges. The amendments aim to enhance deterrence against scams and strengthen the country’s ability to tackle this prevalent form of crime.
During the second reading of the Bill in Parliament on November 4, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs, Sim Ann, called scams “the most prevalent crime type” in Singapore, noting that between 2020 and the first half of 2025, approximately 190,000 scam cases were reported, resulting in financial losses amounting to S$3.7 billion (US$2.8 billion). Scams now account for 60% of all reported crimes in the country.
Sim also noted that the total losses were more than three and a half times the cost of building the Woodlands Health Campus, underscoring the scale of the issue. The government, she said, would continue to monitor the situation and introduce further measures if necessary. – December 29, 2025