# Singaporean Man Sentenced for Extortion and Illegal Gambling Operations A 34-year-old man received jail time and caning for threatening a friend. - **Source:** [The Independent SG](https://theindependent.sg) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/edc0609e-8214-4c52-b076-12bf84b67193 ## Sentencing for Criminal Offenses Low Tze Wee, a 34-year-old Singaporean, was sentenced to two years, three months, and 20 days in prison. The court also ordered two strokes of the cane and a fine of S$130. These penalties follow his guilty plea regarding charges of extortion and violations under the Gambling Control Act 2022. ## Escalation of Violent Threats The conflict began when Low heard his 37-year-old friend had spoken negatively about him. Between August 16 and September 27, 2024, Low issued seven distinct death threats. He explicitly threatened to burn down the victim's house, knock out his teeth, and kill him, causing the victim to fear for his safety. ## Extortion and Financial Coercion Low demanded money from his friend under the threat of physical violence. He initially requested S$3,690, later reducing the demand to S$690 when the victim claimed financial hardship. Despite receiving partial payments, Low continued his harassment, eventually extorting a total of S$1,090 from the victim before the police were finally notified. ## Illegal Gambling and Cybercrime Beyond the extortion case, investigations revealed Low managed an illegal gambling operation on April 29, 2026. Additionally, he faced charges under the Computer Misuse Act for assisting an unauthorized individual in accessing a third party's bank account. These secondary offenses were formally considered by the court during his final sentencing process. ## Victim Reporting and Police Action The victim filed an official police report on October 3, 2025, after the persistent threats and extortion attempts became unbearable. This report served as the primary catalyst for the subsequent investigation into Low’s activities. The legal proceedings concluded with Low pleading guilty to multiple charges, including extortion and gambling-related criminal activity. ## Legal Framework in Singapore Singapore maintains strict laws regarding both extortion and illegal gambling activities. The Gambling Control Act 2022 provides a robust framework for prosecuting those who manage unauthorized betting establishments. Similarly, the Computer Misuse Act is frequently utilized to address unauthorized access to financial accounts, reflecting the state's zero-tolerance policy toward digital crime. ## Judicial Use of Caning The inclusion of caning in Low’s sentence highlights the Singaporean judicial system's use of corporal punishment for serious offenses. While reserved for specific crimes, it remains a standard sentencing option for violent or severe criminal acts. This punishment is intended to serve as a significant deterrent against repeat criminal behavior and violence. ## Implications of the Verdict This case underscores the severe legal consequences for individuals who leverage personal disputes into criminal extortion. By combining prison time, financial penalties, and physical punishment, the court addressed both the victim's trauma and the defendant's broader criminal history. The verdict serves as a reminder of the state's commitment to maintaining public order. ## Sources covering this story - https://theindependent.sg/2-years-jail-fine-caning-for-singaporean-man-who-extorted-s-1k-from-friend-threatened-to-kill-him — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._