SINGAPORE — A 32-year-old man will be charged on Thursday (Aug 19) with possessing obscene videos of persons under the age of 18, some of which included videos of him performing sexual acts with others that were taken in secret. 

The police said in a statement on Wednesday they received several reports that the man had allegedly offered money to youth below the age of 18 in exchange for sexual services.

The incidents took place between 2017 and 2020.

After his arrest, the police found in his possession several obscene videos. Some of the videos showed the man performing sexual acts with others and these were taken without the other party’s knowledge. 

The man will be charged under the Children and Young Persons Act, the Penal Code and the Films Act.

If found guilty of sexually exploiting a young person below 16 years old, the man could be fined up to S$10,000 or jailed up to five years, or both.

If found guilty of communicating for the purpose of obtaining for consideration sexual services of a minor under 18 years old, he could be jailed up to two years or fined, or both.

For making an obscene film, he could be fined between S$20,000 and S$40,000 or jailed up to two years, or both.

And for having in his possession any obscene film, he could be fined up to S$20,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both.

“The police take a tough stance against sexual crimes, particularly those that target vulnerable victims such as the young,” they said.

“The police will spare no effort in ensuring that such offenders are brought to justice to face the full brunt of the law.”