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Abigail Zwerner awarded $10 million after being shot by 6-year-old student in Virginia classroom

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 A Virginia jury has awarded Abigail Zwerner, a first-grade teacher shot by her 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School, $10 million in damages after finding that an assistant principal’s negligence allowed the shooting to occur.

The verdict, delivered Thursday by a Newport News Circuit Court jury, concluded that former assistant principal Ebony Parker ignored multiple warnings that the boy had brought a gun to school on Jan. 6, 2023. Jurors deliberated for six hours over two days before siding with Zwerner, who was seriously wounded after being shot in the hand and chest.

Zwerner’s attorneys said the verdict validated what they have maintained since the beginning — that the shooting could have been prevented had school officials acted on repeated warnings. “To hear from a jury of her peers that they agree this tragedy could have been prevented — we’re very happy with the outcome for today,” attorney Diane Toscano said after the verdict. Zwerner stood beside her family but did not address the media.

According to trial testimony, multiple teachers had informed Parker that students were reporting the boy had a gun in his backpack. Despite these reports, no action was taken, and the weapon was never confiscated until after Zwerner was shot.

Zwerner’s attorney Kevin Biniazan told jurors that Parker’s inaction was a clear breach of school policy and duty. “You can’t stick your head in the sand,” Biniazan said. “You cannot come into court and say, ‘I didn’t have the information,’ when it was your job to find it.”

Defense attorney Sandra Douglas argued that Parker had no legal obligation to protect Zwerner. “Dr. Parker did not have a legal duty to protect Miss Zwerner,” Douglas said. “She did not volunteer to protect her.”

In addition to the civil case, Parker faces felony child abuse and neglect charges in a separate criminal proceeding set to begin in late November. The outcome of that trial could affect whether Zwerner receives her full payout. The Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA) — the insurance pool that covers the Newport News School Board — may challenge responsibility for the $10 million judgment if Parker is convicted, arguing her criminal actions would fall outside policy protections.

University of Richmond law professor Jack Preis told NBC News that a guilty verdict could allow insurers to claim Parker “abdicated her role” as a school employee. However, Preis noted that insurers might still choose to pay Zwerner, likening it to a parent compensating for their child’s misdeeds. “Someone might say, ‘I want the victim to have some compensation,’” he said.

Zwerner’s legal team said the decision should serve as a wake-up call about accountability and school safety. “We can’t let these kinds of school shootings — whether individual or mass — continue,” attorney Jeffrey Breit said outside the courthouse. “School safety, teacher safety, children’s safety — that’s the most important thing. This verdict reminds people that you will be held accountable if you don’t make that your first concern.”

Parker and her attorneys declined to comment following the verdict.

Cristiano Ronaldo Says It’s Harder to Score in Saudi Arabia Than in Spain, Defends Saudi Pro League’s Quality

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 Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that scoring goals in the Saudi Pro League is more challenging than in Spain’s La Liga, insisting that critics underestimate the quality and competitiveness of Saudi Arabian football.

Speaking in his latest interview with Piers Morgan, the Portuguese superstar discussed the difficulty of playing in Saudi Arabia, the progress of the league, and his own continued success at Al-Nassr, where he has scored 102 goals in 115 appearances since joining in 2022. The sit-down marked another candid exchange between the two, following their explosive 2022 interview that preceded Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United.

Ronaldo said that while he has faced scrutiny for moving to the Middle East, the numbers speak for themselves. “I don’t need to speak, because they can say whatever they want — the numbers don’t lie,” he said. “They can say, ‘oh, it’s the Saudi league,’ but they’ve never played here, they don’t know what it’s like to run in 40-degree heat.”

The 40-year-old striker added that the Saudi Pro League offers a higher level of competition than Portugal’s Primeira Liga and is improving rapidly as it attracts more international talent. “I still continue, I repeat, the Saudi league is much better than the Portuguese league of course,” he said. “In France there is only PSG. The Premier League is good, of course, it’s number one. But listen, I’ve played everywhere — for me, it’s easier to score in Spain than to score in Saudi.”

When asked if he could still perform at the top level in Europe, Ronaldo confidently replied: “If I played in the Premier League now, in a top team, I would score the same.”

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward also questioned why performances in the Saudi league are not considered when awarding the Ballon d’Or or Golden Boot, calling for greater recognition of the players competing there. “The Golden Ball, why don’t they count the Saudi league? Look how many top players we have in the league. Ask the other players if the league is good. Don’t ask me — it’s easy to ask me,” he said.

Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo remains a central figure for Portugal’s national team under coach Roberto Martinez and is expected to represent his country at the World Cup next year. However, he acknowledged that retirement is approaching. “Soon,” Ronaldo admitted. “But I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. Probably I will cry, yes. I’m an open person. It will be very, very difficult.”

Official faints behind Trump during Oval Office drug price announcement on weight-loss medication deal

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A tense moment unfolded inside the Oval Office on Thursday when a pharmaceutical representative collapsed while standing behind President Donald Trump during a high-profile announcement about lowering the cost of weight-loss medications.

The incident occurred as Trump and members of his administration detailed a new agreement with pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly aimed at expanding access to popular obesity drugs. Witnesses said the man, initially identified by reporters as Novo Nordisk executive Gordon Finlay, suddenly lost balance and collapsed mid-event. The company later denied that the individual was Finlay.

According to reporters present, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, quickly came to the man’s aid, helping guide him safely to the floor to prevent head injury. Cabinet members immediately provided assistance while White House staff ushered reporters out of the room.

In a statement issued shortly afterward, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the episode and assured the public that the individual was stable. “During the Most Favored Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative with one of the companies fainted. The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay. The press conference will resume shortly,” Leavitt said.

The Oval Office event highlighted a landmark deal between the Trump administration and leading pharmaceutical companies to reduce the prices of GLP-1 medications—a class of weight-loss and diabetes drugs that have surged in popularity under brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound.

Under the terms of the agreement, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly will offer lower-cost access to these medications through TrumpRx, a new federal platform expected to launch next year. The initiative will make oral versions of the drugs available for as little as $149 per month, pending approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, while injectable GLP-1 treatments will be priced at $245 per month for Medicare and Medicaid patients.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the initiative as a major step toward health equity, noting the growing affordability gap in obesity treatment. “Obesity is a disease of poverty—overwhelmingly so—and these drugs have only been available for people who have wealth,” Kennedy said.

Dr. Oz, who helped the collapsed representative, later highlighted the broader health implications of the administration’s plan, predicting that by next year, Americans could collectively lose “135 billion pounds” through expanded access to affordable treatments.

The unexpected medical episode briefly interrupted the announcement but underscored the gravity of the administration’s focus on health reform and access to life-changing medications.

 Battling Barcelona earn 3-3 draw in Champions League thriller against Club Brugge

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 Barcelona battled back three times to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in a pulsating Champions League encounter Wednesday night, salvaging a point through a late own goal from Belgian defender Joaquin Seys.

The dramatic clash at Brugge’s Jan Breydel Stadium saw the home side repeatedly expose Barcelona’s high defensive line with blistering counterattacks, while the Catalans showed resilience to claw back into the game each time they fell behind.

Brugge struck first in the sixth minute when Nicolo Tresoldi finished off a quick break orchestrated by Carlos Forbs, whose pace and precision down the right flank caught Barcelona’s defense off guard. But Barcelona responded immediately, with Ferran Torres slotting home from close range just two minutes later.

The Belgian hosts regained their advantage in the 17th minute as Forbs again punished Barcelona’s backline, this time scoring himself after another swift counterattack. The first half continued at a relentless pace, with Jules Kounde rattling the crossbar and Torres missing another chance to equalize before halftime.

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny kept his team in contention early in the second half, pulling off a spectacular save to deny Seys from point-blank range. Moments later, Eric Garcia thundered a long-range effort off the bar before teenage sensation Lamine Yamal produced a dazzling solo goal to level the score in the 60th minute.

Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi, center right, fights for the ball with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, center left, during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Club Brugge and Barcelona in Bruges, Belgium, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

But Brugge quickly struck again, reclaiming the lead just two minutes later as Forbs completed his brace with another lightning-fast counter, coolly chipping the ball past Szczesny.

The visitors’ persistence finally paid off in the 77th minute when Yamal floated a cross into the box, forcing an own goal from Seys, who inadvertently headed the ball past his own goalkeeper while attempting to clear.

The match ended in controversy when Romeo Vermant appeared to score a stoppage-time winner for Brugge following a fumble by Szczesny. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was overturned due to a foul on the Barcelona keeper, allowing Xavi Hernández’s side to escape with a point.

“They created a lot of danger on the counter-attack, and we should have done much better everywhere,” said a frustrated Torres after the match. “It felt like with two passes they were already in our box. We have to find ways to improve. The team reacted well and had a lot of chances, but when you’re chasing the game, it’s tough.”

The draw leaves Barcelona 11th in the standings with seven points from four matches, while Club Brugge sit 22nd with four points, both teams still in contention for qualification as the group stage enters its decisive phase.

Infantino hints Trump could receive FIFA’s new Peace Prize at World Cup draw

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 FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sparked speculation that President Donald Trump may be the first recipient of the organization’s newly created FIFA Peace Prize, saying only that the public “will see” during the World Cup draw on Dec. 5 in Washington.

The announcement of the FIFA Peace Prize marks the global soccer body’s latest initiative to “recognize exceptional actions for peace,” according to a statement released Wednesday. The award, which Infantino will personally present, is intended to honor individuals who have made significant efforts to end conflict and promote unity “in an increasingly unsettled and divided world.”

Infantino made his remarks while speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami, shortly after Trump addressed the same event. Asked directly if Trump would receive the inaugural prize, the FIFA president declined to confirm or deny, saying, “On the 5th of December, you will see.”

Infantino emphasized the need to spotlight figures who bring people together across global divides. “It’s fundamental to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace,” he said. The governing body added that the Peace Prize would be awarded annually “on behalf of fans from all around the world.”

The new FIFA honor comes just weeks after Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize, despite heavy lobbying from Republican allies and some international figures. Infantino, however, has not hidden his admiration for the president, describing their relationship as “close” and lauding Trump’s involvement in supporting preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

“I’m really lucky. I have a great relationship with President Trump, who I consider really a close friend,” Infantino said. “Of course, he’s been very helpful in everything we do for the World Cup. He has such incredible energy, and that’s something I admire. He does things. He says what he thinks. He says what many people think but maybe don’t dare to say — and that’s why he’s so successful.”

The connection between FIFA and Trump’s circle was further strengthened when Ivanka Trump was appointed to the board of a $100 million education initiative, partially funded by ticket sales from the 2026 tournament.

The World Cup draw, where the Peace Prize will be formally awarded, is expected to attract around 1 billion global viewers, underscoring the worldwide reach of both the event and the newly announced award.

 U.S. arrests 5 in California wanted by Germany for €300 million fraud scheme

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The United States has arrested five fugitives wanted by German authorities in connection with a massive international fraud network accused of defrauding thousands of victims of more than €300 million and establishing a shadow financial system across Germany.

The arrests, made in California, followed a formal request from the Federal Republic of Germany under existing extradition treaties. The fugitives — four U.S. citizens and one Canadian national — were taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service and made their initial appearances in federal court on Wednesday in the Central District of California.

Those arrested include Medhat Mourid, of Woodland Hills; Andrew Garroni, of Los Angeles; Guy Mizrachi, of Agoura Hills; Ardeshir Akhavan, of Irvine; and Tunde Benak, a Canadian national also residing in Irvine.

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, German prosecutors allege that the group was part of an elaborate network involving German payment service processors. The network allegedly created millions of recurring, fraudulent debit and credit card transactions tied to fictitious online merchants. The false charges were typically kept below €50 to avoid drawing suspicion from victims, investigators said.

The charges were linked to websites that appeared legitimate but were only accessible through direct links or specific URLs, making them difficult for authorities or victims to trace. German officials allege that the operation relied on collusion with executives and compliance officers at German payment service processors, allowing the fraudulent transactions to continue unchecked for years.

The scheme, according to Germany’s allegations, not only defrauded victims but also effectively created a “shadow financial system” within the country, operating outside normal regulatory oversight.

The arrests were coordinated as part of a wider international effort spanning several countries, including Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Cyprus, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California, and Director Gadyaces S. Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service jointly announced the arrests.

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) within the Justice Department, which serves as the central authority for U.S. criminal matters involving foreign governments, worked closely with German prosecutors to coordinate the arrests and ensure compliance with U.S. legal standards for extradition.

OIA also facilitated cross-border coordination meetings and collaborated directly with the German public prosecutor’s office to secure the legal documentation necessary for the arrests.

The U.S. Marshals Service in the Central District of California executed the operations in tandem with law enforcement actions overseas. All five suspects are being held pending extradition to Germany, where they face multiple charges under German law related to large-scale financial fraud.

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 Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum vows legal reform after being groped on street; suspect arrested

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 Indiana, PA (BN24) – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday she would pursue national legal reform to make sexual harassment a criminal offense in all states after a man groped and attempted to kiss her during a public walk in Mexico City.

The incident occurred Tuesday as Sheinbaum walked toward an event near the National Palace, greeting supporters and taking photos with bystanders. Videos circulating on social media show a man approaching the president from behind, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, and touching her hip and chest while trying to kiss her neck.

Security personnel swiftly intervened and pulled the man away. Authorities said he appeared intoxicated and was later taken into custody. The complaint was filed with the Mexico City prosecutor’s office, where sexual harassment is already punishable by law.

Speaking at her daily morning press conference, Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, explained that she decided to press charges after learning the man had continued harassing other women following the incident.

“My view is, if I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women?” she said. “If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?”

The president said she intends to push for a nationwide campaign and legislative review to ensure sexual harassment is treated as a crime in all 32 federal districts of Mexico. “It should be a criminal offense everywhere,” she said, adding that she had endured similar harassment when she was younger.

Despite the assault, Sheinbaum was seen in the footage responding calmly, briefly posing for a photo with the man before realizing the extent of what occurred. “This person approached me completely drunk. I didn’t realize what had really happened until I saw the videos,” she said.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the president’s security detail and reignited debate about the pervasive machismo culture that normalizes harassment in public spaces. According to UN Women, about 70% of Mexican women over the age of 15 have experienced some form of sexual harassment.

Women’s rights groups have condemned the incident as symptomatic of Mexico’s entrenched gender inequality. “If even the president of Mexico is not safe from this kind of aggression, it shows the depth of the problem,” one prominent feminist advocate said on local television.

Sheinbaum said she would not alter her approach to public engagement, reaffirming her commitment to remain close to citizens, even amid heightened security concerns following recent political violence. “A line must be drawn,” she said, “but I will continue walking among the people.”

The assault occurred just days after Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán state, was shot dead during Day of the Dead celebrations. The murder has intensified calls for better protection for politicians and public figures.

Since taking office, Sheinbaum has sought to improve Mexico’s security landscape, focusing on drug cartel violence and fentanyl trafficking — a central issue in her cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump.

As her administration addresses this latest attack, Sheinbaum said she remains determined to use her platform to fight gender-based violence. “This is not just about me,” she said. “It’s about every woman who deserves to walk safely in her own country.”

Zohran Mamdani unveils all-female transition team as he prepares for New York Mayoralty

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 New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced an all-female transition team on Wednesday as he begins assembling what he described as the most ambitious municipal administration in a generation. The 34-year-old democratic socialist, who will become the city’s first Muslim and first mayor of South Asian heritage, said his team is designed to “build a city hall capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign.”

Speaking at a press conference in Queens, Mamdani introduced Elana Leopold as executive director of the transition team, with Maria Torres-Springer, the city’s former first deputy mayor, and Lina Khan, the former Federal Trade Commission chair under President Joe Biden, serving as co-chairs. They will be joined by Grace Bonilla, president and CEO of United Way, and Melanie Hartzog, former deputy mayor for health and human services.

“In the coming months, I and my team will build a city hall capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign,” Mamdani said. “We will form an administration that is equal parts capable and compassionate, driven by integrity and willing to work just as hard as the millions of New Yorkers who call this city home.”

Mamdani’s choice of Khan — known for her aggressive antitrust stance at the FTC and her popularity among both progressives and populist conservatives — signals his intention to bring reform-minded figures into leadership positions. The mayor-elect said the team’s goal is to ensure readiness by January 1, when he will officially take office.

“We owe it to this city to be ready on January 1 to start delivering,” Mamdani told reporters. “We have 57 days, and those are 57 days to start the work of preparing.”

Mamdani’s victory over Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa marks a historic moment in New York politics, making him the youngest mayor in more than a century and the first born in Africa to lead the city. However, his administration will inherit a host of challenges, including tensions with President Donald Trump, who has publicly threatened to withhold federal funding from New York City under Mamdani’s leadership.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote that if Mamdani became mayor, “it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required,” while labeling him a “communist.” Federal funding currently makes up approximately 6.4% of the city’s $115 billion budget, or about $7.4 billion.

The campaign period saw a surge of Islamophobic attacks directed at Mamdani, who became a U.S. citizen in 2018. Lawmakers including Randy Fine, Andy Ogles, and Chip Roy criticized his candidacy, with some calling for his deportation. A report by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate found that Islamophobic posts about Mamdani rose 450% between September and October.

Despite the hostility, Mamdani reiterated his focus on uniting New Yorkers. “I’m confident in delivering these same policies that we ran on for the last year,” he said. “No matter what your politics, we’re all facing the same issues.”

Mamdani campaigned on a sweeping progressive agenda including a rent freeze, free bus service, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores, all financed through higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. His campaign broke fundraising records, amassing over $20 million in small donations averaging just $80.

The transition announcement comes amid broader Democratic victories across the country, including gubernatorial wins by Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, and the approval of California’s Proposition 50, a redistricting measure aimed at strengthening Democratic congressional prospects.

Mamdani’s incoming administration will begin naming deputy mayors and commissioners in the coming days. “Some of these people will have familiar names, others will not,” he said. “But what will unite them all is a commitment to solving old problems with new solutions.”

“As our city celebrates the inauguration of a new administration,” Mamdani added, “let us also celebrate the beginning of a new era for New York — one we all feel invested in and whose success we all work to achieve.”

Garnacho rescues Chelsea from Champions League setback against Qarabag

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BAKU, Azerbaijan (BN24) — Alejandro Garnacho spared Chelsea from a humiliating Champions League defeat on Wednesday, scoring a crucial second-half equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw with Qarabag at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.

Enzo Maresca’s side appeared headed for an embarrassing night after falling behind to the Azerbaijani champions despite taking an early lead through Estevao Willian. The 18-year-old Brazilian opened the scoring in the 16th minute, converting from close range after a sharp pass from Andrey Santos.

Qarabag hit back with determination. Leandro Andrade struck in the 29th minute after Camilo Duran’s effort came off the post, and Marko Jankovic put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot before halftime following a handball by Jorrel Hato.

Facing the prospect of their first Champions League away loss since 2022, Chelsea turned to Garnacho. The Argentine winger, a summer signing from Manchester United, came off the bench and fired home from the edge of the area just after the break, earning his side a vital point.

Despite Chelsea’s heavy investment of more than £1.5 billion in recent seasons, the London club struggled to impose itself against a Qarabag squad assembled for less than £7 million since 2020. Both teams now sit on seven points from four matches, keeping their hopes alive for a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16.

Maresca’s lineup featured seven changes from the weekend win at Tottenham as Chelsea contended with travel fatigue and a quick turnaround before Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolves. The Blues, who arrived in Baku only hours before kickoff, failed to capitalize on several late chances, with Enzo Fernandez and Garnacho both denied by Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.

Once mocked during their debut season in Europe’s top competition, Qarabag have emerged as one of the surprise packages of this campaign, having already beaten Benfica and Copenhagen. Their spirited display against Chelsea underscored why they remain one of the tournament’s most resilient underdogs.

Singapore to enforce mandatory caning for scammers under sweeping new fraud law

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SINGAPORE (BN24) — Singapore is set to introduce mandatory caning as a punishment for convicted scammers, under a sweeping new amendment bill aimed at curbing the country’s fast-rising tide of financial fraud and cybercrime.

The Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, tabled for its second reading in Parliament on Tuesday, November 5, proposes tougher penalties against those involved in scam syndicates, recruitment operations, and financial mule networks that have defrauded thousands of Singaporeans in recent years.

Announcing the move, Senior Minister of State for Home and Foreign Affairs Sim Ann revealed that Singapore had lost more than S$2.8 billion (US$2.05 billion) to scams between 2020 and the first half of 2025. During that period, authorities recorded around 190,000 scam-related cases, marking an unprecedented surge in financial crime facilitated through digital platforms and cross-border syndicates.

“We will introduce mandatory caning for scammers,” Sim declared during her parliamentary speech. “Offenders who commit scams, defined as cheating mainly by means of remote communication, will be punished with at least six strokes of the cane.”

Sim explained that the measure targets syndicates that “mobilise significant resources to conduct and profit from scams” and whose members display “the highest level of culpability.”

Under the proposed legislation, individuals convicted of participating in scam syndicates including recruiters, financiers, or active members, will face between six and 24 strokes of the cane, in addition to existing imprisonment terms.

Those acting as “money mules”, who facilitate the transfer of stolen or illicit funds, could receive up to 12 strokes at the discretion of the courts. The government stated that the intention is to penalize not only the masterminds but also those knowingly enabling fraudulent operations through their financial or logistical support.

The law also extends to suppliers of scam-enabling tools, such as SIM cards, Singpass credentials, or digital payment accounts, who either intended for the tools to be misused or failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent their abuse. Convicted individuals in such cases may also face mandatory caning alongside other penalties.

Authorities emphasized that these amendments are meant to send a clear deterrent message, as scam cases continue to strain police resources and public confidence in digital transactions.

Singapore currently enforces caning for more than 90 criminal offences, including violent crime, vandalism, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration. Of these, 65 offences already mandate caning as part of sentencing.

While the new bill introduces caning for scam-related crimes, it also reduces mandatory caning to discretionary in certain lesser offences, reflecting a calibrated approach to criminal justice. Sim said, however, that “more serious cases should still result in caning,” highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining tough penalties for crimes with serious social or financial harm.

Beyond the anti-fraud measures, the amendments also propose strengthened protections for minors and vulnerable individuals, and tougher laws against the large-scale distribution of sexual images or videos. Another key provision criminalizes the doxxing of public servants, defined as the act of publishing private information about individuals online without consent — a growing concern amid harassment incidents targeting law enforcement and government officers.

Scams have become one of Singapore’s most pressing law enforcement challenges. In recent years, fraud syndicates operating from overseas have targeted victims through phishing, fake job offers, and impersonation schemes.

Authorities have launched multiple public education campaigns and joint operations with foreign police to dismantle these syndicates, but the financial toll has continued to rise. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the new law represents a “comprehensive step to match deterrence with accountability”, combining strong enforcement with a clear signal that financial crime carries severe consequences.

While human rights groups have previously criticized the use of caning as a corporal punishment, the Singapore government maintains that it is a “measured and effective deterrent” that reflects the city-state’s zero-tolerance stance toward serious offences.

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