The Police have arrested 12 women and three men, aged between 18 and 38, in a police operation against vice-related activities conducted between 12 and 19 June 2020.
Officers from Tanglin Police Division conducted coordinated raids during the eight-day operation, which targeted vice-related activities in rented commercial units and private residential units along Scotts Road, Balestier Road, Mackenzie Road and Selegie Road areas. 11 women, aged between 18 and 38, were arrested for offences under the Women’s Charter and one 29-year-old woman was arrested for offences under the Immigration Act. A 37-year-old man was arrested for using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty. Two men, aged 25 and 31, were arrested for suspected drug-related offences. One unlicensed massage establishment was also found to be in operation, where the proprietor of the outlet will be investigated under the Massage Establishments Act. Investigations are ongoing.
Another four men, aged between 25 and 66, were also found inside these premises during the raids. As the men had left their residences for a non-essential activity, the Police issued each of them with a notice of composition of S$300 for flouting safe distancing regulations under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.
Vice-related activities are increasingly being conducted in residential estates, facilitated by the use of online platforms to advertise vice-related services and solicit for clients. This has caused significant disamenities to residents and affected their sense of safety and security.
All property owners have a responsibility to ensure that such illicit activities do not take place in their properties. They should exercise vigilance and look out for suspicious or dubious tenants.
Property owners and tenants who knowingly allow their premises to be used for vice-related activities will also be prosecuted under the Women’s Charter. If convicted, they can be fined up to $3,000, imprisoned for up to three years, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, offenders can be fined up to $10,000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.
The Police will also take stern action against those found acting as agents or pimps for vice-related activities. Under the Women’s Charter, offenders can be fined up to $10,000 and imprisoned for up to five years. The Police will also take action against errant massage establishment licensees under the Massage Establishment Act, where they can be punished with a fine of up to $10,000 or an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected vice-related activities to the Police, via the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information received will be kept strictly confidential.
The Police will continue to take tough enforcement action against criminal activities. Those found engaging in illicit activities will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law. Members of the public are also advised to take all safe distancing measures seriously.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 June 2020 @ 10:10 PM