SINGAPORE: Scammers, as well as recruiters and members of scam syndicates, will face mandatory caning of at least six strokes under amendments to Singapore's criminal law set to take effect on Dec 30.
The additional punishment, aimed at increasing deterrence against such crimes, has a maximum penalty of 24 strokes of the cane, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday (Dec 19).
"Fighting scams is a top national priority. The number of scam cases and scam losses remain concerning," MHA said.
Scam mules who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds, providing SIM cards or giving up their Singpass credentials will face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
The discretionary caning will apply if the offender knew or intended for their actions to be used to commit or facilitate scams.
Mules will also be caned if their services are used in a scam and they fail to take reasonable steps to ensure that it does not happen.
Offenders under section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating cases that are not scams will also be liable for discretionary caning of up to 24 strokes, said MHA.
"This recognises that there are egregious traditional cheating cases that could also warrant caning as a sentencing option."
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The additional punishment, aimed at increasing deterrence against such crimes, has a maximum penalty of 24 strokes of the cane, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday (Dec 19).
"Fighting scams is a top national priority. The number of scam cases and scam losses remain concerning," MHA said.
Scam mules who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds, providing SIM cards or giving up their Singpass credentials will face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
The discretionary caning will apply if the offender knew or intended for their actions to be used to commit or facilitate scams.
Mules will also be caned if their services are used in a scam and they fail to take reasonable steps to ensure that it does not happen.
Offenders under section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating cases that are not scams will also be liable for discretionary caning of up to 24 strokes, said MHA.
"This recognises that there are egregious traditional cheating cases that could also warrant caning as a sentencing option."
Continue reading...