A 27-year-old man in Singapore was sentenced to 22 years in prison and 24 caning strokes on July 6 for sexually exploiting a 13-year-old girl over two months, according to court records. Foong Yong, who pleaded guilty to six counts of statutory rape and 14 other sexual offenses, subjected the victim to repeated physical abuse, including burning her buttocks with a cigarette and choking her during sex. Prosecutors stated he also manipulated the girl into engaging in paid sex with others to lend him money, while controlling her through threats and online platforms.
The crimes occurred between May and July 2023, beginning when Foong befriended the victim on an online video conferencing platform. He later met her in person, where he handcuffed her, used a sex toy, and raped her in his home. Over subsequent weeks, he transported her via public transit with a sex toy still inside her body, controlled the device remotely, and forced her into additional sexual acts. He also publicized her sexual services on online platforms, collected $3,000 from her earnings, and threatened to expose her intimate images if she failed to comply with his demands.
The victim reported the abuse to her mother on July 10, leading to Foong’s arrest. Deputy Public Prosecutors Nicholas Wuan and Mavis Ng emphasized that he exploited the girl’s “naivety” for financial gain while satisfying “violent and lustful fetishes.”
Why it matters
The sentence reflects Singapore’s legal stance against child sexual exploitation, with the addition of 24 strokes of the cane—reserved for serious crimes—underscoring the severity of Foong’s actions. The case also raises concerns about online safety, as the abuse began on a video conferencing platform.
What may happen next
While the sentence is final, the victim’s recovery and legal support remain critical. Authorities may review online platforms used in the case to assess if additional measures are needed to prevent similar abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
[What was the sentence imposed on Foong Yong?]
Foong Yong received 22 years in prison and 24 strokes of the cane for sexual offenses against a 13-year-old girl.
[How did Foong exploit the victim financially?]
He encouraged her to engage in paid sex with others, provided a pricing list for sexual services, and collected $3,000 from her earnings through cash and digital payments.
[What role did technology play in the crimes?]
Foong used a phone application to control a sex toy during a train journey and accessed a Telegram channel to forward the victim explicit content, leveraging technology to maintain control over her.
What steps can online platforms take to prevent similar abuse cases?
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