24-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) A private Telegram channel, boasting close to 9,000 members, has been exposed for its role in disseminating explicit photos and videos among its participants. The illicit content includes images and footage of individuals engaged in sexual acts in public spaces and Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks across Singapore, accompanied by a chilling query: “Guess which HDB block this is at?”
According to Shin Min Daily News (Shin Min), the administrator of this channel frequently uploaded these obscene materials, with a particular focus on young women. As of October 22, this controversial channel had reportedly amassed over 8,700 members.
The explicit content included at least 10 videos featuring descriptions of lewd acts occurring in HDB estates, as reported by Shin Min. The majority of these contributions were made by channel members, as confirmed by a message from the administrator. Additionally, some videos featured women in school uniforms, though it remains unclear whether they were underage.
One notable video captured a male staff member and a female intern engaging in sexual activities within an office setting. The administrator claimed that the individuals involved were unaware of being filmed during this encounter.
Shin Min also noted that the administrator frequently sought feedback from members regarding the types of content they wished to see, accompanied by the assertion that they aimed to ensure this inappropriate content did not fall into the wrong hands.
Legally, distributing obscene photos and videos constitutes a criminal offence, subject to two specific provisions under the Penal Code. Deliberate distribution of voyeuristic recordings without the subjects’ consent may invoke charges under Section 377BC, while knowingly disseminating intimate photos or videos without consent falls under Section 377BE. Conviction on either of these charges could result in penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years, fines, caning, or a combination of these punitive measures.
This incident is not the first time that Singaporean authorities have taken action against Telegram groups involved in the circulation of explicit content. In the past, they clamped down on groups like the infamous “SG Nasi Lemak” Telegram group, leading to the arrests of four individuals in October 2019. One of the group’s administrators, Leonard Teo Min Xuan, received a one-year mandatory treatment order in 2021 after being diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Another administrator, Liong Tianwei, was sentenced to nine weeks’ imprisonment and fined S$26,000. Two other members received probation.
In February, the police initiated investigations into another explicit Telegram chat, SG WikiLeaks.
