SINGAPORE – In a harrowing case that has shocked the nation, a 20-year-old full-time national serviceman has been sentenced to a year of reformative training for possessing and trading sexually explicit videos of children. Mohamed Danial Rafiuddin Mohamed Rashid’s actions have raised serious concerns about child safety online.

The court revealed that Danial had 10 disturbing videos on his iPad and mobile phone, which he obtained by screen recording from a Facebook group promoting such vile content. He traded these videos on various social media platforms, including Telegram and WhatsApp, with up to 15 other individuals.

After pleading guilty on February 4, Danial’s lack of remorse became evident. During his sentencing hearing on May 6, Deputy Public Prosecutor Samuel Chew highlighted inconsistencies in Danial’s statements that suggested he still did not accept full responsibility for his actions.

The disturbing timeline revealed that Danial was first exposed to child pornography in 2016, sparking a dangerous habit that lasted until just weeks before his arrest in December 2023, making the case all the more troubling.

Upon receiving a tip-off regarding Danial's activities, police raided his home, uncovering the shocking material. Among the videos was one featuring a girl estimated to be between five and seven years old, alongside videos of boys aged six to fourteen.

During sentencing, his father pleaded for leniency, expressing concern for his son's young age and involvement in national services. However, the Deputy Principal District Judge Kessler Soh stressed the importance of reformative training to prevent future offenses, recognizing the challenging position of the family.

The case has ignited conversations about the responsibilities of internet users and the urgent need for greater protections against child exploitation online. Judge Soh directed the family to a court counselor, emphasizing a path towards healing and understanding the gravity of Danial's choices.