Singaporean youths charged with cheating and humiliating their ex-schoolmate over fake online identity

Two Singaporean teenagers have been charged with a string of criminal offences after allegedly tricking their former schoolmate into performing degrading acts and extorting money using fake online identities. The deeply disturbing case sheds light on cyber exploitation and peer abuse among youths.

Elaborate Deception Over Social Media

According to court proceedings on June 18, 2025, one 17-year-old deceived his former schoolmate by posing as a woman on Instagram between February and December 2023. The accused manipulated the victim into thinking he was developing an online relationship, coercing him into sending a total of S$390 and gift cards — alongside performing a series of humiliating acts.

These acts, carried out via online exchanges, included:

• Soaking his genitals in chilli oil for two minutes;
• Rubbing salt onto his genitals;
• Drinking his own urine;
• Performing a sexual act in front of a camera;
• Playing football naked;
• Cutting and burning his hair;
• Eating butter, cheese, and chilli padi;

Distribution Of Recordings And Financial Threats

Authorities revealed that between February and June 2023, the teenager distributed intimate recordings of the victim, fully aware of the emotional harm it would cause. The offences escalated further when, in July 2023, he conspired with a second teenager to extort S$2,450 from the victim. They threatened to leak explicit videos if the victim didn’t pay.

In a final twist, the teens allegedly fabricated a story in May 2024 about a gang leader demanding money, deceiving the victim into surrendering an additional S$300 out of fear.

Charges, Gag Order, And Legal Proceedings

The primary accused is facing four serious charges:

• Distribution of intimate recordings;
• Cheating;
• Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property;
• Extortion;

His co-accused faces two charges, both relating to conspiracy in the extortion and the gang-leader scam.

Due to the sensitive nature of the case, all identities, including the victim’s, are protected under a gag order. The court has granted both teenagers bail, conditional on continued school attendance, parental supervision, and electronic tagging.

Legal Implications Of The Crimes

The charges carry stiff penalties under Singapore law:

• Extortion: 2 to 7 years in jail and caning
• Cheating and dishonest delivery: Up to 10 years in jail and a fine
• Cheating: Up to 3 years in jail, a fine, or both
• Distributing intimate content: Up to 5 years in jail, a fine, caning, or any combination

The first accused has pleaded not guilty, and his case will resume on July 16, 2025. His accomplice intends to plead guilty on July 30, 2025.

This shocking case has raised public concern over cyber abuse, peer manipulation, and the vulnerability of youth online. It’s a stark reminder of how digital spaces, if unchecked, can become grounds for psychological coercion. For communities across Singapore and Indonesia, it underscores the urgency of digital literacy, online safety education, and early intervention in schools to prevent such trauma among teenagers.

Sources: CNA (2025) , Must Share News (2025)

Keywords: Singapore Teenagers, Extortion Case, Degrading Acts, Court Charges, Fake Identity, Social Media Abuse