Singapore Adults Face Jail for Exploiting Minors via Telegram Bot Leomatch

In Singapore, adults using the Telegram bot Leomatch to sexually exploit minors may face severe penalties, including imprisonment and caning. The Ministry of Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) reported that they are aware of the bot's misuse for sexual grooming. Offenders over 18 can be sentenced to up to three years in jail for sexual grooming, with fines also possible. Recent cases include a 25-year-old man sentenced to 11 years for luring minors by pretending to be a teenager and a 31-year-old man diagnosed with paedophilic disorder who attempted to engage a 14-year-old boy. The bot remains accessible, raising concerns about the ongoing risk to minors. Authorities can issue directives under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) to block offending accounts. The Online Safety Commission will be established by the end of June to address online harms. Experts note an increase in cases involving minors under 14 meeting sexual partners through this platform.

Key Points: • Adults exploiting minors on Leomatch face up to three years in jail and caning. • The bot remains accessible despite ongoing exploitation cases. • The Online Safety Commission will be established to combat online harms.