Criminal Behavioural Analysis Competition (CBAC) 2026: Empowering youths to stay vigilant in the digital age

1. More than 900 youths participated in the Criminal Behavioural Analysis Competition (CBAC) 2026, a crime-solving and profiling competition organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in partnership with the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF). The CBAC, which started in 2016, leverages youths’ interest in criminal behavioural profiling and role-playing to foster awareness of crime trends and inspire meaningful career pathways within the Home Team. Close to 5,000 youths have been engaged through the competitions so far.

2. Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, and Mr Tan Puay Kern, Vice-Chairman, NCPC, presented prizes to the winning teams on 18 July 2026 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, marking the culmination of a week-long self-guided investigative journey.


Criminal Behavioural Analysis Competition 2026

3. The CBAC 2026 began with an online case briefing on 11 July, followed by daily clue releases via an online portal. Participants assumed the role of “profilers” to solve a fictitious homicide case that featured various technology-facilitated crime concerns. This included scam-related mule activities, non-consensual intimate image offences, and drug offences. The Finale Case Conference took place on 18 July, where final clues were revealed and teams worked under time pressure to identify the true perpetrator. 

4. For the first time, CBAC introduced an Open Category, welcoming youths aged 17 to 25 from institutions such as the Institutes of Technical Education and International Schools, to participate alongside peers from Junior Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities. More details on CBAC 2026 can be found at Annex.


Empowering our youths to stay vigilant online and offline

5. This year’s competition was specifically designed to highlight emerging crime and online safety concerns, particularly those involving online platforms and digital technologies, which are especially relevant as youths today navigate highly connected digital environments. While these digital spaces offer significant benefits, they also expose youths to manipulation, anonymity-enabled offending, and harmful content. For example:

(a) In 2025, youths aged 19 and below made up 5.6% of scam victims, while those aged 20 to 29 made up 19.9% of scam victims. These youths most commonly responded to scammers via messaging platforms, social media and online shopping platforms. Recent SPF enforcement operations also highlighted the risk of youths being involved in scam-related activities, including as money mules^[1].

(b) Youth drug abuse also remains a concern. In 2025, about half of new drug abusers arrested were below 30 years old, with the youngest being 12 years old.

(c) At the SPF Sexual Crime Awareness Seminar 2026, it was also highlighted that the digital world presents new and evolving risks for sexual crimes, as perpetrators may exploit the anonymity of the Internet and the proliferation of social media platforms, messaging apps, and dating apps to prey on unsuspecting victims.

6. Beyond the digital realm, CBAC 2026 also served as a reminder that crime risks for youths are not confined to online spaces. Youths may also be vulnerable to real-world offending or victimisation, and it is important for them to stay vigilant, make responsible choices, and look out for one another in their daily lives.

7. Through the fictitious case narratives, CBAC 2026 reinforced crime prevention messages on the risk and consequences associated with:

(a) Selling bank accounts, SIM cards, and Singpass accounts to scam syndicates in exchange for quick cash; 

(b) Producing, possessing, or distributing non-consensual intimate images, including materials circulated in anonymous online spaces;

(c) Drug-related offences, including how technology can facilitate drug trafficking through encrypted messaging platforms and cryptocurrency transactions; and

(d) The importance of practising critical digital literacy, questioning suspicious online interactions, and staying vigilant against negative influence in online settings.

8. Dr Majeed Khader, Chief Psychologist, MHA, said, “CBAC continues to provide an engaging platform for youths to learn about crime prevention in an interesting and interactive way. As crime trends evolve, especially in online spaces, it is important that youths are equipped to think critically, recognise risks early, and play their part in keeping our community safe.”

9. Mr Tan Puay Kern, Vice Chairman, NCPC, shared: “Crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Youths play a vital role in maintaining a safe and secure Singapore. Innovative youth engagement initiatives such as CBAC 2026 empower youths with practical crime prevention knowledge and insights, enabling them to better protect themselves and the community. NCPC encourages both youths and the wider community to take an active role in crime prevention.”

10. The Home Team will continue to work with partners to engage youths on emerging crime and public safety issues, and to encourage our youths to play an active role in keeping Singapore safe and secure.


MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL

[1] In a two-week islandwide operation between 18 June and 1 July 2026, 159 men and 71 women, aged between 16 and 77, were investigated for their suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules: SPF | Police investigate 230 Scammers And Money Mules In Islandwide Enforcement Operation


Annex

1. Key Elements of CBAC 2026 [PDF, 805.86 KB]