228 arrested in islandwide police raids on vice activities
A total of 228 individuals, including 27 men and 201 women aged between 18 and 58, have been arrested for suspected involvement in vice-related activities across Singapore.
The arrests were made during a coordinated anti-vice operation that took place from Sept 1 to Oct 31, 2024, the police said in a statement.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, seven police land divisions, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) raided multiple locations island-wide, including commercial premises, massage establishments, beauty salons, hotels, residential units, and transport nodes.
Among those arrested, 35 individuals are suspected to be vice abettors.
Three individuals, two men and one woman aged between 33 and 38, have been formally charged under the Women’s Charter for allegedly facilitating organised vice activities.
A 33-year-old man was charged on Oct 23, while a 38-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were charged on Sept 14. Investigations are ongoing for other individuals.
The police highlighted that those found guilty under the Women’s Charter for offences such as facilitating sexual services through remote communication, procuring individuals for prostitution, or soliciting earnings from prostitution can face severe penalties.
They can face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to $100,000.
In addition to offences under the Women’s Charter, suspects may face charges under the Immigration Act, the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, the Payment Services Act, and the Penal Code.
Among these, foreigners working without a valid work pass could be fined up to $20,000 and jailed for up to two years.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) emphasised that flat owners bear responsibility for ensuring that tenants do not misuse their properties for vice activities.
HDB warned that it would take strict action, including revoking leases, against property owners found to be complicit in vice-related offences.
Police reiterated that this large-scale anti-vice operation reflects ongoing efforts to maintain Singapore’s security, underscoring the importance of collaboration with the public.
They encouraged residents to continue providing information on vice activities, assuring the public of robust enforcement measures against offenders.
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