Singapore has taken its war on online scams to cinematic levels of drama. In a move that’s got the world talking, the island nation has passed a new law that orders at least six strokes of the cane for scammers and their accomplices.
The legislation, part of Singapore’s Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, is designed to send a loud message: online fraud isn’t just a financial crime — it’s a serious offence worthy of physical punishment.
For a country already known for strict laws — from banning gum to enforcing litter fines — this new chapter ups the ante. The bill now mandates:
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At least six strokes of the cane for those convicted of major scam offences.
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Up to 24 strokes for syndicate leaders and organizers.
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Up to 12 strokes for “money mules” — those who help scammers move funds or lend out their bank accounts and identity details.
According to Singapore’s Parliament, this was necessary after nearly 190,000 scam cases since 2020 caused citizens to lose over S$3.8 billion.
The decision comes as scams continue to dominate headlines and social media feeds in Singapore. From fake investment websites to romance scams and WhatsApp frauds, nearly every household has been touched by the digital crime wave.
Officials say scammers have become so sophisticated that only a dramatic deterrent could make a difference. And in classic Singapore fashion — they’re not playing around.
Social media users across Asia have been buzzing since the news broke.
Some hailed it as “justice served with sting”, while others questioned whether corporal punishment fits the crime. Memes have flooded X (Twitter), with users joking that scammers will now “feel the consequences offline too.”
Still, there’s a serious side: the law targets not only syndicate masterminds but also the “ordinary people” who rent out their bank accounts for quick cash. Many of these mules claimed they didn’t know their accounts would be used for fraud — but ignorance will no longer be a defence.
Entertainment analysts are already noting that Singapore’s approach feels “straight out of a dystopian series.” The dramatic nature of caning as a punishment could easily inspire documentaries, crime dramas, or satirical films about justice and technology.
If anything, this new law blurs the line between real-world governance and movie-style deterrence — a move that will keep audiences, creators, and even scammers talking for a long time.
Singapore’s message is clear: online scams will now come with real-world pain. While some view it as harsh, others say it’s exactly what’s needed in an era where cybercrime ruins thousands of lives.
Either way, this latest crackdown has turned scammers from faceless villains behind screens into headline stars of Singapore’s toughest law yet — and the world is watching.