Singapore

People

Singapore functions as a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking. Victims, typically from South East Asia, are often lured through deceptive online job offers and subjected to labour or sex trafficking. Those most at risk include low-wage migrant workers from countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. These people are employed in Singapore’s labour-intensive industries, domestic work, and the nightlife industry. The absence of minimum wage requirements and the widespread use of recruitment fees increase their vulnerability to exploitation. Transnational syndicates also exploit Singaporean nationals and vulnerable populations abroad, with cybercrime-linked trafficking emerging as a concern in Cambodia and Myanmar. The intersection between financial crime and trafficking-related activities is evident, particularly in the profits generated by online gambling operations that rely on trafficked labour. However, strong legal frameworks and relatively low overall trafficking rates render this market only moderately pervasive in Singapore.

While visa overstays are more common than human smuggling, criminal networks are known to be involved in smuggling operations, particularly by facilitating individuals’ movement across regional borders – especially along routes connecting Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. In 2024, immigration-related arrests rose, driven by increased enforcement against those harbouring irregular migrants, most of whom were Singaporean citizens. Smuggling networks often assist stateless persons and asylum seekers in evading restrictions, exposing them to heightened risks of trafficking. Undocumented migrants remain particularly vulnerable to violence and exploitation, with continued reports of discrimination, abuse and public hostility towards migrant worker communities.

Extortion and protection racketeering are rare, with only a limited number of cases reported in 2023 and 2024. Their low prevalence is largely credited to the country’s strong legal system, effective law enforcement and stringent penalties, including imprisonment and caning for convicted offenders. While the extortion market is relatively small, the rise of cyber-enabled extortion – often intertwined with fraud and money laundering – has increasingly blurred the lines between these criminal markets, complicating efforts to assess their true scope and scale.

Trade

Arms trafficking in Singapore remains limited, constrained by strict gun laws, strong customs enforcement and a negligible domestic market. While domestically manufactured weapons occasionally appear in illicit markets across South East Asia, the country primarily serves as a minor transit hub for small arms moving between Thailand and Malaysia, with destinations including India and Pakistan. Local arms trafficking cases are rare and often involve replica weapons or bladed instruments rather than firearms. Given the limited size of the market, there have been few enforcement actions. The counterfeit goods market is moderate but significant, with Singapore serving as both a destination and transit point – particularly for goods from China. Common counterfeit items include pharmaceuticals, footwear, textiles and luxury products, often sold online or through retail hubs such as Far East Plaza and Bugis Street. In 2024, police seized tens of thousands of counterfeit items worth millions of dollars. Despite existing legal penalties, the trade persists, driven by high demand, the growth of e-commerce and the use of anonymous online accounts. While the market is targeted and influenced by foreign actors, seizure data has revealed that nearly half of online counterfeit sellers were based in Singapore. The illicit market for excisable goods – such as alcohol, tobacco and vaporizers – remains limited, characterized by low domestic demand and Singapore’s occasional role as a trans-shipment hub. While high excise taxes create some incentive for domestic smuggling, transnational criminal groups also sporadically exploit the country’s location to traffic goods to neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Nevertheless, strong enforcement measures and advanced customs inspection technologies have been effective at containing the scale of these activities.

Environment

Singapore does not have a significant domestic criminal market for flora-related crimes due to its urbanized environment and strict enforcement. However, it plays a strategic role as a transit and financial hub in the regional illicit timber trade. Past incidents have revealed Singapore’s role in laundering timber sourced from Myanmar, helping to circumvent bilateral sanctions imposed after the country’s 2021 coup. Apart from those, domestic flora-related crimes are rare, supported by strong legal frameworks and enforcement. Singapore hosts a moderately active criminal market for fauna-related crimes, serving as both a destination and a key trans-shipment point for wildlife trafficking. Commonly trafficked items include ivory, pangolin scales, rhino horns and various exotic animals. While domestic sourcing is minimal due to urbanization, there remains demand for products such as fish maw and tortoises. The wildlife trade has moved online, with platforms like Telegram used to sell protected species, making enforcement difficult. Authorities have seized large quantities of ivory and pangolin scales in recent years, with individual shipments valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Although Singapore enforces strong wildlife laws and participates in international agreements, traffickers continue to exploit encrypted online applications and anonymous networks to evade detection.

Singapore’s criminal market for non-renewable resources is not primarily domestic but plays a notable regional role due to the country’s status as a global trade and financial hub. Key commodities linked to this market include petroleum products, sand and gold. Singapore’s advanced port infrastructure and strategic location make it a frequent trans-shipment point for illicit petroleum products. Criminal actors use methods such as falsified documentation, ship-to-ship transfers and manipulation of cargo measurements to facilitate illegal shipments. Notable incidents in 2023 and 2024 included illegal gas oil exports to sanctioned countries and unauthorized sales of marine gas oil by tugboat crews. Singapore is also a destination for sand extracted under dubious legal conditions from countries such as Cambodia. Gold-related crime, while not widespread, is also a concern. Cases involving money laundering highlight the country’s attractiveness as a financial and processing hub for high-value illicit commodities. Despite these risks, Singapore maintains strong legal and regulatory frameworks, with strong enforcement capacity that generally prevents widespread abuse.

Drugs

Singapore has a consolidated heroin market, functioning as both a destination and a transit hub, with much of the supply originating from the Golden Triangle region. Domestic demand persists, with heroin among the most abused drugs. Both Singaporean and foreign actors are involved in the trade. In 2023, authorities dismantled multiple syndicates, targeting operations using encrypted online platforms, and in 2024, several large-scale seizures occurred. Despite severe penalties, including the death sentence, enforcement data suggests a resilient heroin market linked to regional opium production. Cocaine trafficking remains minimal in Singapore, due to low domestic demand and strict enforcement. While some smuggling occurs through trans-shipment – such as a seizure in Malaysia linked to a vessel from Singapore – local cases are rare. Cocaine is not among the country’s most commonly abused substances, and harsh penalties, including capital punishment, deter trafficking. Its association with Western markets and a shrinking expat population further reduce the likelihood of increased domestic use.

Despite strict drug laws, Singapore has a cannabis market. Most people arrested for cannabis use in recent years were first-time offenders, reflecting changing perceptions among youth – many are viewing cannabis as less harmful than other drugs. However, enforcement remains strict, with trafficking penalties including imprisonment, caning or death. While regional trends lean towards legalization, Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance stance, limiting the market’s influence through surveillance, enforcement and public messaging. Singapore maintains a consolidated market for synthetic drugs, primarily methamphetamine, ecstasy and new psychoactive substances. These drugs are trafficked into the country for both domestic consumption and regional distribution, with precursor chemicals trans-shipped through Singapore’s ports. ‘Happy water’, a mixture containing methamphetamine and other substances, remains available locally. Authorities report rising use among younger populations, and recent arrests indicate the involvement of both local and foreign actors. While enforcement remains strict, with the death penalty for high-volume trafficking, synthetic drug markets continue to adapt rapidly, posing persistent challenges for law enforcement.

Cyber Crimes

Cyber-dependent crimes have a significant effect on Singapore. As a premier tech hub, the country has increasingly become a major source of cyber threats. Criminals often exploit compromised Singapore-based servers to host malicious websites, often disguised through deceptive ads and links. Both individuals and organizations have been targeted, with malware attacks emerging as a major concern. In 2024, a considerable number of organizations experienced such attacks, and more than half paid ransoms to recover their data. The financial toll of these crimes is substantial, underscoring the growing severity of cyber threats in Singapore’s highly digitalized environment.

Financial Crimes

Singapore is significantly affected by financial crimes, particularly fraud and investment scams. In 2024, investment fraud and impersonation scams accounted for the highest financial losses among scam types, with estimates in the millions. The country’s global financial role and efficient infrastructure continue to attract criminal networks, despite low levels of domestic corruption. Authorities have investigated high-profile cases, including those linked to sanctioned entities and deepfake-enabled online scams. In response to evolving risks, Singapore is tightening financial regulations and enforcement, especially in the digital finance and real estate sectors.

Criminal Actors

Organized crime in Singapore has shifted from traditional mafia-style groups to fragmented domestic gangs involved in drug trafficking, cyber scams and unlicensed moneylending. These groups increasingly use online platforms for recruitment and intimidation. As larger syndicates are dismantled, remnants have formed loosely organized street gangs with fluid membership, often involving adolescents. While secret societies persist, their influence is limited compared to international counterparts. Although the threat level is minimal, vigilant enforcement and strong legal mechanisms remain essential to curbing gang resurgence and safeguarding public security.

Criminal networks are deeply embedded in Singapore’s organized crime landscape, engaging in a range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, cyber scams and excise goods smuggling. Authorities have reported an increase in the scope of operations of these groups. Criminal networks often leverage the Port of Singapore as a key trans-shipment point, facilitating illicit trade linked to states under bilateral and international sanctions. Some networks are structured around familial or elite political ties, with assets tied to money laundering operations. Available information points to cross-border links with criminal groups based in China, Cambodia and the Philippines. These technologically advanced, decentralized networks have expanded globally, especially in areas such as cybercrime and human trafficking.

Singapore maintains a low level of public sector corruption, supported by strong institutional safeguards that ensure accountability. While isolated cases involving political figures or elite-linked criminal networks occasionally arise, they are met with swift investigation and prosecution by independent anti-corruption bodies. The influence of state-embedded criminal actors remains minimal, reflecting Singapore’s robust transparency measures and adherence to international anti-corruption standards. High-profile investigations have not significantly impacted Singapore’s international reputation, as the country consistently ranks among the least corrupt countries globally. Its legal framework and governance structures continue to deter entrenched collusion between state actors and organized crime, reinforcing public trust in anti-corruption efforts.

Foreign criminal actors exert significant influence over Singapore’s organized crime landscape, particularly in areas such as drug and human trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime and the smuggling of illicit goods. These actors exploit the country’s financial infrastructure to launder proceeds and facilitate transnational operations. Some foreign syndicates – including Chinese and Myanmar-linked networks – have used Singapore-based companies to evade sanctions and supply military-related goods. Although the government has taken enforcement action against such abuses, Singapore’s status as a global financial hub continues to attract actors involved in scams, illicit gambling and financial fraud. Despite law enforcement’s collaboration with international partners, the evolving strategies of foreign networks remain a persistent challenge for Singapore’s crime prevention and financial oversight systems.

Singapore’s private sector – particularly financial institutions, real estate agencies and legal firms – has played an increasingly central role in facilitating organized crime, especially with regard to money laundering. The ease of establishing companies has allowed criminal actors to obscure beneficial ownership and conduct illicit financial transactions. A recent major money laundering case exposed systemic vulnerabilities and revealed complicity at high levels across various sectors. In response, authorities have intensified regulatory scrutiny, notably targeting cryptocurrency-related activities and enhancing compliance protocols. Still, criminal groups continue to exploit corporate registries to conceal operations, including sanctions evasion schemes involving foreign entities. While offshore structures remain in use, there has been a noticeable shift towards the use of onshore shell companies, reflecting evolving strategies to avoid detection.

Leadership and governance

Singapore demonstrates strong governance and institutional stability, supported by high levels of government effectiveness, regulatory quality and corruption control. Although democratic freedoms and civil liberties are limited, authorities are held accountable and public trust in institutions remains relatively high. The government has taken a firm stance against organized crime, enforcing strong penalties for drug and arms trafficking and actively investigating illicit networks. Singapore’s legal framework is robust, with an independent anti-corruption agency addressing misconduct. While political dominance remains uncontested, recent scandals have prompted growing scrutiny of public transparency. Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, supported by stringent legislation targeting bribery, drug trafficking and serious financial crimes. The country employs transparency mechanisms such as e-payment systems and online budget disclosures, although procurement contracts remain unpublished. Singapore’s anti-corruption agency operates independently under the Prime Minister’s Office and investigates cases separately from law enforcement. Public sector corruption is treated as an aggravated offence and carries harsher penalties. While overall corruption levels remain low, recent high-profile investigations – including one involving a former transport minister and procurement dealings – have drawn public scrutiny. Transparency and accountability practices bolster Singapore’s resilience against organized crime.

Singapore plays an active role in international efforts to combat organized crime, having ratified major UN treaties on corruption, trafficking and drug control. The country collaborates closely with global law enforcement agencies, maintains extradition agreements with several jurisdictions and operates an independent INTERPOL National Central Bureau. Singapore has contributed to major international operations, including efforts against cyber-enabled financial crime and human trafficking. In 2024, it supported global crackdowns leading to thousands of arrests and the seizure of hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit assets. Singapore has strengthened cross-border cooperation and institutional resilience as a member of the Financial Action Task Force and through participation in initiatives like the Online Industry Safety and Security Watch Group. The country monitors emerging trends in synthetic drug markets and engages in regional and international capacity-building efforts. It regularly hosts and participates in Association of Southeast Asian Nations working group meetings focused on organized crime, including joint efforts with financial intelligence units to combat wildlife trafficking. Singapore has developed a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to counter organized crime. The Organized Crime Act enables authorities to prosecute individuals aiding criminal groups, even without formal membership. The government enforces strict anti-trafficking, anti-drug and anti-wildlife trafficking laws, including capital punishment for certain drug offences and increased penalties for illegal wildlife trade. Recent amendments have classified wildlife trafficking linked to organized crime as a serious offence, allowing for longer sentences and asset seizures. Cybercrime legislation has expanded to regulate digital tokens and protect critical infrastructure. Additional legal developments target money laundering linked to environmental crimes and misinformation during elections. Intellectual property enforcement remains a challenge, particularly concerning counterfeit goods.

Criminal justice and security

Singapore’s judiciary is generally viewed as efficient, transparent and largely independent, with low levels of corruption and established due process protections. While top judges are appointed by the president and government-favoured rulings are common, courts demonstrate more independence in criminal and private-sector cases. The Organized Crime Act enables effective prosecution of organized crime, supported by a well-managed legal system and detention facilities. Although Singapore has robust measures against financial crime, its enforcement of human trafficking laws remains comparatively weaker – limited by narrow legal definitions and a low number of prosecutions, particularly in cases involving domestic servitude or debt-based exploitation. The Singapore Prison Service prioritizes rehabilitation through structured programmes and employment support, contributing to a recidivism rate of approximately 20%. However, drug reoffending remains high. Released drug offenders are closely monitored and undergo mandatory testing and electronic surveillance. Singapore’s law enforcement framework includes specialized units within the Singapore Police Force (SPF) dedicated to arms-related crimes, financial crime and cybercrime. Well-funded and widely trusted by the public, the SPF leverages community policing and technology such as drones and surveillance systems to enhance crime prevention and detection. Intelligence sharing plays a key role, with Singapore actively supporting INTERPOL-led operations. The Anti-Scam Division and 24/7 Anti-Scam Centre focus on cyber and financial fraud, working with banks to recover assets. The Inter-Agency Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons coordinates national efforts through a multi-ministerial approach. Singapore’s strategic location and role as a global port hub expose it to transnational organized crime risks, particularly through maritime and air cargo shipments. To enhance border security, authorities rely on advanced surveillance and technology, including iris and facial scanners. However, the growth of the e-commerce sector has led to increased trafficking by air freight. Cybercrime is also a growing threat, with surges in ransomware, scams and online fraud. In response, the government responses has established specialized task forces and cyber defence units, while the Cyber Security Agency collaborates with academia. Initiatives like the Anti-Scam Centre and Online Criminal Harms Act have led to significant asset recovery. Still, cyber-dependent crimes remain a persistent challenge.

Economic and financial environment

Singapore has one of the world’s most stringent anti-money laundering (AML) regimes, supported by robust legislation, inter-agency coordination and proactive enforcement. Financial institutions are subject to rigorous due diligence, transaction monitoring and reporting obligations. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) plays a central role in overseeing investigations and compliance. High-profile money laundering cases have prompted reforms, including the COSMIC information-sharing platform and updated regulations targeting shell companies, trade-based money laundering and gambling-related financial crimes. Recent efforts have also addressed Myanmar-related transactions in response to international scrutiny. In 2023, Singaporean banks and enforcement agencies tightened controls to safeguard financial integrity and preserve the country’s reputation as a trusted global financial hub.

Singapore’s economy is highly open and dependent on trade, and the country consistently ranks among the world’s most business-friendly and economically free nations. Its position as a global financial hub is underpinned by strong regulatory oversight, tax transparency and intellectual property protections. However, a recent high-profile money laundering case exposed vulnerabilities in the financial regulatory framework, prompting reforms and stricter oversight by authorities, including MAS. The government manages all land, and there is no evidence of organized crime infiltrating key sectors of the economy. While corruption levels remain low, some concerns persist over potential conflicts of interest between the public and private sectors.

Civil society and social protection

Singapore has established a range of support mechanisms for victims and witnesses of crime. The SPF operates specialized programmes for victims of serious offences and migrant workers vulnerable to scams. Multiple witness protection schemes provide both emotional and procedural support during legal proceedings. Victim assistance initiatives offer trauma-informed counselling, legal aid and recovery services, particularly for survivors of violence and online harms. Support for trafficking victims includes shelter, employment assistance, translators and in-camera court procedures. Civil society organizations also offer recovery programmes. However, concerns remain over high thresholds for victim identification and ongoing societal victim-blaming. With regard to drug-user support, Singapore has developed robust frameworks. Adults apprehended solely for drug use may be placed under community supervision, undergo counselling, or be admitted to a Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) – without receiving a criminal record if no other crimes are involved. Additionally, the DRC and Singapore Prison Service apply individualized, evidence-based psychiatric, family and vocational support. Repeat or higher-risk users are placed in inpatient care with post-release monitoring.

Singapore’s crime prevention strategy emphasizes public awareness, technological innovation and community engagement. The National Crime Prevention Council leads education and outreach campaigns, while initiatives like Crime Prevention Week and community policing promote public cooperation. For instance, there are programmes aimed at combating growing online fraud. While certain laws offer legislative protections for informants, there is no comprehensive whistle-blower protection law. Wildlife crime prevention includes conducting financial audits, imposing harsher penalties and sharing red flags with relevant stakeholders.

Singapore exercises strict control over media and civil society, with limited space for dissent or politically sensitive work. Laws such as the 2019 Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act and the 2021 Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act regulate public discourse and often result in self-censorship. Defamation suits and legal actions against journalists and activists are common. Despite these restrictions, several non-state actors and NGOs operate within regulated parameters, focusing primarily on non-political issues such as public safety and human trafficking. Civil society groups work with government agencies on both victim support and crime prevention.