Business Analyst Jailed, Caned for Manipulating Minors Into Sending Nudes and Sex Acts in S’pore
Hee Lic Yuan, a 32-year-old former bank business analyst in Singapore, orchestrated a manipulative scheme from 2019 to 2021, targeting 31 girls and young women under the pretense of being a wealthy “sugar daddy.” Using social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram, Hee promised payment in exchange for explicit photos and sexual services. Many victims were minors, with the youngest only 13 years old. Despite his promises, Hee rarely paid, instead escalating his demands and using threats to maintain control.
Initially, Hee’s requests appeared innocuous, asking for photos of armpits or semi-nude images. Over time, he pressured victims into sending fully nude photos and videos, sometimes recording video calls without their knowledge. When victims hesitated or sought to end the arrangement, Hee threatened to leak their intimate images or even commit sexual violence. His coercion tactics intensified, exploiting the victims’ vulnerability and financial desperation.
The exploitation extended beyond images. Hee coerced several minors into sexual acts, offering large sums of money—up to S$4,000 (approximately 51 million IDR)—but later reneged on payments. One 15-year-old victim was sexually assaulted and secretly recorded by Hee. He further pressured her to participate in a threesome with another man, threatening to withhold payment if she refused. Traumatised, the girl eventually reported the abuse to authorities, triggering a police investigation.
Prosecution Demands Tougher Sentencing Amid Grave Offences
The prosecution described Hee’s crimes as “highly premeditated” and deliberately targeting young females. They sought a harsher sentence of 100 to 107 months in jail and seven to nine strokes of the cane, emphasizing the severity and scale of his offences.
On April 16, 2025, the court sentenced Hee to 81 months’ imprisonment and six strokes of the cane after he pled guilty to 15 charges, including sexual penetration of minors, producing child abuse material, and exploitative sexual communication with minors. An additional 44 charges were considered during sentencing.
Hee’s defense highlighted his diagnosis of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder and his efforts toward rehabilitation, including sexual abstinence and voluntary denial of bail. However, the court rejected attempts to minimize his responsibility, underscoring that adults must not exploit minors regardless of circumstances. The judge emphasized that the victims’ perceived willingness was often influenced by immaturity and financial need, placing full accountability on the offender.
Urgent Call for Awareness and Support to Protect Vulnerable Youths
This disturbing case exposes the growing threat of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation in Singapore. With predators increasingly using social media to target vulnerable youths, authorities and advocacy groups stress the importance of education, awareness, and stronger legal protections. The Hee Lic Yuan case serves as a critical reminder of the need for vigilance to safeguard minors from online predators and ensure justice for survivors.
The case also highlights the emotional and psychological toll on victims, many of whom suffer trauma long after the abuse ends. Support services and counseling are vital for recovery, yet many victims remain reluctant to come forward due to stigma and fear. This underscores the urgent need for community support systems and public education to empower victims and prevent future exploitation.
Sources: Mothership (2025), Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: Singapore, Sugar Baby, Sexual Exploitation, Minors, Crime, Online Safety
