The Police have arrested a 17-year-old male teenager for being a suspected member of an unlawful society.
On 16 December 2020, the Police were alerted to a photo uploaded on social media showing a the teenager holding on to a knife in one hand while displaying a gang hand sign with the other. Through investigations, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department established the identity of the teenager and arrested him on 29 December 2020. Police investigations are ongoing.
Anyone found guilty of being a member of an unlawful society under section 14(3) of the Societies Act shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both. Under the same Act, anyone who displays, sells or exposes for sale, or transmits through the post or who, without lawful authority or excuse, has in his possession any placard, newspaper, book, circular, pictorial representation or any other document or writing whatsoever which is issued or appears to be issued by or on behalf of or in the interests of an unlawful society shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.
The Police have zero tolerance towards secret society activities and will not hesitate to take action against those who choose to be associated with gangs or blatantly flaunts their gang affiliation, through social media or otherwise. Members of the public are advised to steer clear of secret society activities and to report those engaging in such unlawful activities to the Police immediately.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
29 December 2020 @ 10:55 PM