Singapore to introduce new law mandating tougher sentences for scam offenders, including youths

The Singapore government will soon table legislation to reinforce a deterrence-based sentencing approach for scam offenders and those who facilitate scams, including young offenders, Senior Minister K. Shanmugam said today. — AFP pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Tuesday, 06 Oct 2026 2:38 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 6 — The Singapore government will soon table legislation to reinforce a deterrence-based sentencing approach for scam offenders and those who facilitate scams, including young offenders, Senior Minister K. Shanmugam said today.

CNA reported that the proposed law comes in response to a High Court ruling in September that imposed probation and community-based sentences on several young money mule offenders, placing greater emphasis on rehabilitation rather than deterrence.

Speaking in Parliament, Shanmugam said the court’s reasoning was inconsistent with established sentencing guidelines, which recommend imprisonment or reformative training for scam-related offences because of the need to deter such crimes and protect the public.

“This is not the time to go soft,” said Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs.

He said the government’s position is that offenders involved in scams, regardless of age, must be dealt with firmly to discourage others from participating in such schemes.

“If a number of cases are dealt with seriously, many would-be offenders would take reference,” he said, adding that stronger deterrence would make it harder for scam syndicates to recruit accomplices and reduce the number of victims.

The issue arose after a three-judge High Court panel heard an appeal involving Mohamed Erzan Taib Zohri and six related scam cases. The seven cases involved money mule offenders, six of whom were below the age of 21. The court allowed appeals in four cases and imposed probation and community-based sentences.

Shanmugam noted that while rehabilitation remains an important principle in Singapore’s justice system, scam offences have significant social and financial consequences that require a different approach.

He pointed to the impact on victims, particularly elderly Singaporeans. In 2025 alone, more than 5,000 senior citizens fell victim to scams, losing around S$200 million collectively.

“Who is responsible? The scammers. Who helped them? The person who gave off his or her bank account, including young persons who do it to earn a few hundred dollars,” he said.

The minister warned that treating young offenders more leniently could encourage criminal syndicates to target and recruit youths as money mules.

“We cannot allow this to happen,” he said.

According to Shanmugam, the Ministry of Home Affairs will introduce legislation “soon” to clearly establish Parliament’s policy position and make explicit that the sentencing approach adopted in the Erzan case should not become the norm.

Scams remain Singapore’s most common crime category, with police receiving an average of 90 reports daily involving about S$2 million in losses each day.

The government is particularly concerned about youth involvement in scam-related offences. More than 1,000 youths were investigated in connection with scam reports in 2025, many of whom acted as money mules by handing over bank accounts, Singpass credentials, SIM cards or telephone lines to criminal syndicates.

Shanmugam said many young offenders were attracted by promises of quick money and were fully aware that their actions were unlawful.

“They knew that they shouldn’t be doing it, but they were tempted by the S$800, S$1,000 that they were offered,” he said.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and education for young offenders, Shanmugam said these objectives must be balanced against the need to prevent scams and protect potential victims.

He added that the authorities will continue to work with schools and parents on anti-scam education, while exploring structured scam-awareness and financial-literacy programmes for youths who come into contact with the law.