Singapore to table law reinforcing deterrent sentences for scam offenders, including youths: Shanmugam
A High Court ruling in September had given several young money mule offenders probation and community sentences. "This is not the time to go soft," says Senior Minister K Shanmugam.
Singapore plans to introduce legislation in parliament to strengthen sentencing for scam offenders, including young individuals, according to Senior Minister K Shanmugam. This comes after a High Court ruling in September that allowed probation and community sentences for some young money mule offenders, contradicting the government's sentencing guidelines which recommend jail time.
Shanmugam emphasized that the new law will make it clear that the court's approach in the Erzan case should not be followed, as deterrence and prevention of scams must take precedence over rehabilitation for scam-related crimes. Young people are particularly concerning as they make up a significant portion of scam-related offenses, with over 1,000 youths investigated in 2025 for scam offenses.
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