A 34-year-old Singaporean man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison and caning after threatening to kill his friend and harm his family home unless he received money.
Low Tze Wee, Jaymeson, was sentenced to two years, three months and 20 days’ imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a S$130 fine after pleading guilty to extortion and an offence under the Gambling Control Act 2022.
According to reports by Shin Min Daily News, the dispute began after Low heard that his 37-year-old friend had allegedly been speaking negatively about him behind his back.
Threatened To Knock Out Friend’s Teeth
The incident reportedly started on Aug 6, 2025, when Low contacted his friend through text messages to confront him over the allegations. His friend denied having spoken behind his back.
About 10 days later, the friend approached Low in an attempt to explain himself. However, the confrontation allegedly escalated when Low gave him an ultimatum.
He threatened to knock out all his teeth, leaving him needing dentures, unless he transferred S$3,690.
When his friend said he did not have that amount, Low reportedly reduced his demand to S$690. Following a series of threatening messages, the victim transferred S$369 to him that evening.
Continued Threats Led To S$1,090 Payment
Despite receiving the initial payment, Low allegedly continued demanding money from his friend.
He threatened to burn down the victim’s home and kill him if he failed to hand over the money.
Court documents stated that Low had intentionally placed his friend in fear of harm to his person and property on seven occasions between Aug 16 and Sep 27, 2025.
Through these threats, he dishonestly induced his friend to transfer a total of S$1,090.
The victim eventually made a police report on Oct 3, 2025.
Separate Offences Involving Online Banking And Illegal Gambling
Apart from extortion, Low also faced charges involving unauthorised access to a bank account and unlawful gambling activities.
For the offence under the Computer Misuse Act, he allegedly obtained another individual’s banking username and password and helped the person cause a bank computer to perform a function to secure access to its system.
Low was not authorised to access the banking system or the account in question. This charge was taken into consideration during sentencing.
In a separate incident on Apr 29, 2026, Low was found to have managed an unlawful gambling operation by collecting payments from punters and topping up their online gambling accounts with equivalent amounts.
The arrangement allegedly involved unknown individuals and allowed punters to participate in games of chance for prizes.
He pleaded guilty to the extortion and gambling-related charges.
Extortion Can Carry Up To Seven Years’ Jail And Caning
Under Section 384 of Singapore’s Penal Code 1871, anyone convicted of extortion faces between two and seven years’ imprisonment, along with caning.
Meanwhile, Section 24 of the Gambling Control Act 2022 provides for a fine of up to S$200,000 and imprisonment of up to five years for managing or assisting in the management of an unlawful gambling place.
Repeat offenders face higher penalties, including fines of up to S$300,000 and imprisonment of up to seven years.
Low’s sentence serves as a reminder that threats and intimidation used to obtain money can carry serious criminal consequences under Singapore law.