Man Sentenced for Long-Term Abuse of Young Boys Seeks Max Caning

SINGAPORE – A man sentenced for sexually abusing six young boys between 2010 and 2014 has asked for maximum punishment, including caning, before turning himself in to authorities.

Chen Caijin, now aged 34, was sentenced on October 28, 2023. His punishment includes 19 years and over one month in prison, in addition to 24 strokes of the cane. He pleaded guilty to eight charges related to these offenses, which involved various forms of sexual assault against the victims, aged between nine and 16 at the time of the incidents.

Nature of the Offenses

Chen faced multiple accounts, including severe assaults and acts that violated the modesty of the victims. Although he was between 17 and 20 years old during the time of his wrongdoings, the behavior he displayed revealed a troubling pattern.

The High Court, presided over by Justice Mavis Chionh, underscored Chen's calculated approach in forming relationships with his victims. He would gain their trust through friendly gestures before advancing towards inappropriate physical contact, eventually culminating in sexual abuse.

Victims and Locations of Abuse

The crimes occurred at various locations, including Chen's flat, public restrooms, staircase landings, and even a local skate park. The prosecutor provided extensive details from the case, revealing a disturbing timeline of the abuse.

• The first known victim was targeted in 2010 when he was 14-15 years old. Chen would treat him to games at LAN shops before escalating to unwanted physical contact.
• Another boy, aged 11-12 during their first meeting in a games arcade in 2011, was similarly groomed through gifts and attention before becoming a victim.

Confession and Cooperation

In a striking turn, Chen reached out to law enforcement via email in November 2019, stating he wished to discuss a form of punishment for his actions. He expressed awareness of his crimes, admitting he had not been caught until now and indicating a desire for the maximum caning penalty.

While under investigation, Chen cooperated with police but initially hesitated to disclose the identities of the victims. His voluntary surrender ultimately facilitated the identification of additional victims, allowing more accurate charges to be brought against him.

Remorse and Consequences

During the trial, defense attorney Alysha Ratnam argued that Chen’s self-reporting and cooperation should be recognized as signs of remorse. The court also noted that Chen had taken measures toward rehabilitation, including undergoing chemical castration to manage his testosterone levels.

Despite acknowledging these factors, Judge Chionh emphasized the seriousness of Chen's offenses and the need for a significant response to his harmful actions. Thus, the final sentence reflects not only his failed attempts to manage his behavior but also the gravity of the impact his actions had on the victims involved.

In light of the evidence, the judiciary emphasized the necessity of justice for the victims and accountability for Chen.