When it came to punishment back in medieval Europe, people got whipped, branded, and occasionally beheaded for stealing bread. Fast-forward to 2025, and Singapore’s taking a page from that old playbook — only this time, the targets aren’t thieves in taverns, they’re online scammers.
On Tuesday, November 4, Channel NewsAsia reported the city-state’s Parliament passed a new bill that introduces mandatory caning for certain scam offences. Under the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, scammers and members of fraud syndicates can now face six to 24 strokes on top of prison time. Those who knowingly help scammers — like selling them bank accounts, SIM cards, or ID info — can get up to 12 strokes.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs, scams have become the country’s most common crime, with nearly $4 billion lost since 2020. Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann said in Parliament that the goal is deterrence, plain and simple: to make sure scammers think twice before preying on others.
Legally, only medically fit “male offenders below 50” can be caned, per the Singapore Courts. Women and men 50 + are exempt (courts can add jail time instead) — the statutory cap is 24 strokes per trial.
Online, the reactions have been a mix of disbelief and comedy gold.
“I’m sorry, but the thought of getting belted as a legal punishment is hilarious 😂,” one TikTok comment read.
“Different strokes for different folks is crazy work,” quipped another.
“I’m in love with this stance - TV channel needed for extra humiliation 😭😭😭,” a third added.
“A cane? What in the 1970s is going on here,” someone else said.
“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” another teased.
Behind the jokes, though, there’s serious debate. Critics argue the measure won’t stop overseas syndicates that operate outside Singapore’s reach. Meanwhile, supporters say it’s about accountability for locals who enable scams at home — that argument carries weight. Scam cases reportedly make up roughly 60 percent of all crime in Singapore. With those numbers, and the new penalties now in place, officials clearly aren’t messing around.
