Singapore cracks down on scammers with mandatory caning

The changes, passed by parliament last month, strengthen penalties that already include imprisonment and fines. The Home Affairs Ministry said the enhanced punishment “ensure that our criminal laws remain effective, fair, and responsive to emerging challenges”.

Under the changes, scammers, including recruiters and members of scam syndicates, face six to 24 strokes of the cane.

Those who knowingly provide their bank account or other personal details to be used to commit or facilitate the laundering of scam proceeds could also face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes, authorities said.

The new laws also allow for discretionary caning for other forms of fraud.

“Fighting scams is a top national priority. The number of scam cases and scam losses remain concerning,” it said.