Two 17-year-olds charged in Singapore for extortion and coercion of former schoolmate

Two 17-year-old Singaporean boys were charged in court on 18 June, 2025, over alleged offences against their former schoolmate.

The charges include extortion, cheating, and the distribution of intimate recordings. The case has drawn attention for the disturbing nature of the alleged acts, which stretched across more than a year.

A court-imposed gag order prohibits the identification of the accused or the victim. The victim’s age was not disclosed in court documents.

Charges and allegations

One teenager faces four charges: cheating, cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, extortion, and distributing intimate recordings.

He is accused of deceiving the victim into performing humiliating acts, including sexual acts and self-harm, under the pretence of communicating with a woman on Instagram.

The second teenager faces two charges, related to conspiring in the extortion and cheating offences. These included fabricating a story about a gang leader to intimidate the victim.

Alleged pattern of abuse

The first accused allegedly carried out the offences between February and December 2023. During this time, he is said to have deceived his schoolmate into performing degrading acts, coercing him into compliance through threats and deception.

Among the reported acts were soaking his genitals in chilli oil for two minutes, rubbing salt on his private parts, and consuming his own urine.

Other alleged acts included playing football while naked, cutting and burning his hair with a lighter, and eating a mixture of butter, cheese, and chilli padi.

The victim was also allegedly coerced into performing a sexual act on camera.

Financial exploitation

The teenager facing more charges is accused of coercing the victim into transferring funds and gift cards totalling S$390.

He also allegedly distributed intimate recordings between February and June 2023, with the knowledge that they would cause humiliation.

In July 2023, the two teenagers allegedly conspired to extort S$2,450 by threatening to release compromising videos.

Around May 2023, they allegedly tricked the victim into believing a gang leader was demanding money, resulting in the victim handing over an additional S$300.

Court proceedings

During the 18 June hearing, the teenager facing four charges told the court he intended to plead not guilty. His case was adjourned to 16 July for his lawyer to make representations.

He was granted bail under conditions requiring him to remain electronically tagged, attend school, and reside with his parents.

The second accused has indicated an intention to plead guilty and is scheduled to do so on 30 July. He was granted bail under similar conditions.

Possible sentences

The charges carry significant penalties. Extortion is punishable with between two and seven years’ imprisonment and caning.

Cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property carries a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine.

The distribution or threatened distribution of intimate images carries up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine, caning, or any combination of these penalties.

Context of the case

The case highlights growing concerns in Singapore about cyber-related exploitation among youth, including the misuse of social media platforms to manipulate and deceive peers.

Authorities have previously cautioned parents, schools, and young people to remain vigilant about online risks, particularly the spread of sexually exploitative behaviour under the guise of peer interaction or false identities.

With investigations ongoing, the court will next determine the progression of the two teenagers’ cases following their stated intentions of contesting or admitting guilt.