Singapore Adds Canning as Part of Punishment for scammers in criminal Code Changes
Singapore’s parliament on Tuesday approved amendments to the criminal code that introduce corporal punishment for people convicted of running or participating in scam operations, part of a wide-ranging effort to curb a surge in financial fraud that has cost residents and businesses billions in recent years.
Under the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, people found guilty of operating scams, recruiting members of scam syndicates or acting as senior members of such networks will face mandatory caning of between six and 24 strokes, depending on the gravity of the offence. Individuals who serve as “money mules” or otherwise facilitate transfers for fraud rings may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes in addition to fines or prison terms, officials said.
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann, speaking during parliamentary debate, said tougher penalties were necessary after authorities recorded a dramatic rise in fraud cases and large financial losses.
The government cited data showing hundreds of thousands of scam reports in recent years and total losses running into the billions between 2020 and the first half of 2025. Sim told lawmakers the measures aim to strengthen deterrence and target syndicates that deliberately prey on victims.
The move follows earlier legal changes this year that gave police new powers to restrict or freeze bank accounts when victims are judged likely to make transfers to fraudsters — a measure intended to stop money from leaving accounts in real time.
Authorities say the package of tools is meant to tackle both the supply chain of scams (the organised groups) and the rapid movement of stolen funds.
Reactions in parliament and among commentators were mixed. Some opposition MPs and lawmakers endorsed stronger penalties but urged the government to make enforcement more effective — arguing that harsh sentences alone will not stop scams if perpetrators operate from overseas or if enforcement cannot keep pace. Others warned that lucrative rewards may continue to entice new offenders despite tougher laws.
Human-rights advocates and some legal analysts said corporal punishment raises ethical questions and questioned its deterrent value against fraudsters who often operate across borders and use sophisticated technology.
They urged Singapore to pair punitive measures with stepped-up international cooperation, improved victim protection and public education campaigns to reduce vulnerability.
Singapore has frequently been singled out as a major target for online and phone scams in recent years, with losses accelerating as criminals deploy AI-driven impersonations, bogus investment schemes and romance frauds. Authorities point to large-scale investigations and arrests but say scammers adapt quickly, prompting the government’s latest legislative response.
The amendments take effect after formal presidential assent and will be incorporated into the criminal code; officials say they will monitor the law’s operation and the broader anti-scam strategy closely. Legal experts note that practical enforcement including tracing cross-border networks and recovering stolen assets will determine whether the new penalties achieve their stated aims.
