Lev Panfilov, a 29-year-old Singapore permanent resident from Russia who previously worked with Wah!Banana and gained fame on TikTok, received an 11-year and six-month jail sentence plus 12 strokes of the cane on May 19, 2025.
The High Court found Panfilov guilty of two rape counts, one sexual assault by penetration count, and one outrage of modesty count. Justice Pang Khang Chau delivered the conviction in March after Panfilov contested all four charges. A gag order protects the victim’s identity.
The incident happened on January 12, 2021, in Panfilov’s bedroom. The pair had met earlier at Wine Connection in Robertson Quay. The victim, a 30-year-old model-actress looking to enter comedy writing, matched with Panfilov on Tinder before moving their conversation to WhatsApp.
She testified that his profile listed him as a writer or scriptwriter, and she wanted his advice. After working on her script at the restaurant, they relocated to his flat when the venue closed. They traveled separately—he rode his motorcycle while she took a Grab car.
At his home, they sat on his bed watching YouTube comedians. The victim stated Panfilov suddenly kissed her lips. After she said “no” and tried to leave, he sexually assaulted her.
During sentencing, prosecutors requested 14 years’ jail with 16 cane strokes. Deputy Public Prosecutor Sheldon Lim highlighted both physical and mental harm to the victim. The prosecution noted Panfilov extended the trial by subjecting the victim to 13 days of cross-examination.
They also pointed out his attempt to leave Singapore during the trial without court permission. On December 9, 2023, airport authorities stopped him at Changi Airport Terminal 1 while trying to board a flight using his new Russian passport. This led to his arrest and remand after being on bail.
Defense lawyer Sameer Melber from Gabriel Law Corporation asked for 10 years and five months’ jail with six cane strokes. The defense argued all offenses stemmed from a “single continuous act” lasting two hours. They claimed the woman went to Panfilov’s bed voluntarily and events occurred “spontaneously and in the heat of the moment.”
While Panfilov admitted to sex with the woman, he insisted it was consensual. He claimed she initiated contact by laughing at his jokes, tapping his leg, and stroking his thigh.
Justice Pang described the woman as an “unusually convincing” witness who provided a detailed, consistent account. The judge found Panfilov lacked credibility, noting major inconsistencies between his police statements, video-recorded interviews, and court testimony.
Still in pain, the victim saw a doctor on January 16, 2021, who suggested filing a police report. She went to a neighborhood police center and talked with officers but left without making a formal report.
On January 18, 2021, around midnight, she told her mother about the assault. Her mother took her to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where a police report was filed.
The March verdict sparked controversy when former Law Society of Singapore vice-president Chia Boon Teck made comments perceived as victim-shaming. His remarks faced public and legal community backlash, with the Law Society requesting his resignation. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam commented that “shaming and blaming victims steps over the line.”
Panfilov plans to marry later this year and continue university studies while in prison. He will appeal both his conviction and sentence.
