102 people investigated for involvement in vice activities after two-week-long operation
The police arrested eighty-four women and 15 men, aged between 18 and 49, for their suspected involvement in vice-related activities following a two-week-long operation between Jan 4 and 18.
A man and two women, aged between 56 and 84, are assisting in police investigations.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the seven Police Land Divisions conducted raids at 55 locations islandwide, including massage establishments, beauty salons, hotels and residential units.
Mobile phones, vice-related items, more than $27,000 in cash, and one vehicle were seized.
Out of the 102 being investigated, 15 are vice abettors.
On Jan 9, a 44-year-old man was charged for offences under the Women's Charter.
On Jan 10, a 23-year-old man was charged for allegedly lying to his landlord and using the premises as an unlicensed massage establishment.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Yeo Yee Chuan, who is the deputy director of the CID, said vice syndicates have leveraged technology to facilitate their operations and extend their reach.
"Their modus operandi is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and they operate their activities remotely, often from overseas," he said.
"The police will continue to partner with the community and members of the public to tackle vice-related activities and will spare no effort to clamp down and take enforcement actions on vice syndicates."
Those found guilty of vice-related offences under the Women's Charter can be jailed up to several years, fined up to $100,000, or both. Repeat offenders will see similar jail terms, with the maximum fine up to $150,000.
As for those convicted for cheating when it comes to the renting of premises, they can be jailed up to 10 years, fined, or both. The Housing and Development Board could also take action against them, including seizing the flat.
