Singaporean Man Sentenced for Extorting Minor for Sexual Services

SINGAPORE – Muhammad Ruzaini Hassan, a 33-year-old Singaporean, was sentenced on July 2, 2025, to three years and ten weeks in prison for extorting a 17-year-old girl into providing sexual services, while threatening to expose her explicit videos online. The case has raised significant concerns regarding the exploitation of vulnerable minors and the legal measures in place to protect them.

The court heard that Ruzaini first encountered the victim’s sexually explicit video through a messaging platform in April 2022. Knowing the girl had a history of suicidal tendencies, he proceeded to contact her via Telegram, offering $1,500 a month to assume the role of her 'sugar daddy.' In addition, he offered a one-time payment of $1,500 for engaging in unprotected sexual activities with him.

According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Gladys Lim, Ruzaini coerced the victim into sending him explicit videos by leveraging her fear of legal repercussions regarding her drug abuse, which she had disclosed to him. Lim stated, “The accused targeted an especially vulnerable victim. He knew that the victim was suicidal and had previously been admitted to a girls’ home for her depression and suicidal tendencies.”

During their interactions, Ruzaini met the minor multiple times and paid her for sexual acts, including an incident on May 21, 2022, when he paid her $800 at a hotel in Jalan Besar. His threats escalated as he demanded further explicit videos and claimed he would report her drug use to authorities if she refused.

Ruzaini was arrested in January 2024 after police began investigating his activities, which included procuring sexual services from a minor. Following his arrest, he pleaded guilty to one count of extortion and one count of obtaining paid sexual services from a minor.

The presiding judge emphasized the severity of Ruzaini's actions, particularly given the psychological state of the victim, who had expressed suicidal thoughts during their exchanges. Ruzaini's bail was set at $20,000, and he is expected to begin serving his sentence on July 16, 2025.

This case highlights the urgent need for robust legal protections for minors against sexual exploitation. According to a report by the Singapore Police Force, there were over 460 youth arrests for sexual crimes in 2024, with sexual penetration of minors being the most prevalent offense. Experts stress the importance of addressing the root causes of such exploitation by enhancing educational programs about consent and sexual health for young people.

Dr. Lisa Tan, a psychologist at the National University of Singapore, commented on the implications of this case: “It is crucial that we create an environment where young individuals feel safe to report such incidents without fear of legal repercussions. Education on these issues must be prioritized in schools.”

The broader context of sexual exploitation of minors, particularly through online platforms, has drawn scrutiny from various organizations, including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which advocates for stronger measures to combat child exploitation globally. As digital platforms continue to evolve, so too must the legal frameworks designed to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

In conclusion, the sentencing of Muhammad Ruzaini Hassan serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by minors in the digital age and the pressing need for society to advocate for their protection against predatory behaviors. The implications of this case extend beyond legal ramifications, signaling the necessity for comprehensive reforms in protecting youth from sexual exploitation.