Singapore proposes jail or reformative training as default sentences for young scam offenders

Young scam offenders in Singapore could soon face jail or reformative training as the default punishment, under proposed new laws that seek to reinforce the government's strong deterrent stance against scams. The Sentencing (Scams) Bill responds to a High Court ruling in September that allowed probation and community-based sentences for four young scam mules. In 2025, the Singapore police investigated more than 1,000 youths in connection with scam reports. They were largely involved as mules, allowing their bank accounts, Singpass credentials or SIM cards to be used for fraudulent transactions. If passed, the sentencing Bill will apply to all offences committed before, on or after the Bill is passed. The law will not apply to juvenile offenders dealt with in the Youth Court.