On May 19, 2025, the legal system delivered significant sentences to two former actors, Ian Fang, aged 35, and Lev Panfilov, aged 29, both of whom were found guilty of serious sexual offenses. Fang received a prison term of 40 months for engaging in sexual activities with a minor under the age of 16. In a more severe ruling, Panfilov was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison, along with 12 strokes of the cane, for his crimes, which included rape, sexual assault, and molestation of a woman.
Both individuals hold permanent residency in Singapore, with Fang being a Chinese national and Panfilov hailing from Russia. The implications of their convictions extend beyond their prison sentences, as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is now reviewing their permanent residency statuses.
In response to inquiries from Channel News Asia (CNA), an ICA spokesperson confirmed on May 21 that the agency routinely assesses the PR status of individuals who have been convicted of crimes. However, the spokesperson noted that specific details regarding the ongoing reviews of Fang’s and Panfilov’s cases cannot be disclosed at this time.
Fang is scheduled to begin serving his sentence on June 16, while Panfilov has indicated plans to appeal both his conviction and the length of his sentence. The outcomes of these appeals could potentially influence the ICA’s final decisions regarding their residency statuses.
This situation has raised concerns within the community, as both men were public figures, and their actions have sparked discussions about the responsibilities of individuals in the public eye. The ICA’s review process will likely take into account the nature of their offenses and the public interest in maintaining the integrity of Singapore’s permanent residency framework.
As the legal proceedings continue, the public remains attentive to the developments surrounding these cases, particularly regarding the implications for the actors’ future in Singapore. The ICA’s decisions will be closely monitored, as they could set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.