Woman arrested after found committing 'vice offences' at illegal massage joint in supposed TCM clinic
A female employee of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic was found committing vice offences and arrested.
The clinic was one of 11 found with non-certified TCM practitioners administering massages to customers, said police in a June 28 news release.
The woman was arrested for the offence of managing a place of assignation under the Women's Charter.
This follows enforcement operations against 181 TCM outlets between Feb 7 and April 14 April arising from public feedback of illegal massage establishments masquerading as TCM clinics and operating as unlicensed massage establishments offering vice services.
Most outlets checked were found to be in compliance with the law. Police investigations are ongoing against the operators of the 11 outlets.
The police added: "To complement the enforcement efforts, the police have engaged the TCM Practitioners Board to remind the registered TCM practitioners of the need to comply with the Massage Establishments (Exemption) Order 2018.
"The police will continue to conduct regular enforcement checks to detect and deter illicit activities at TCM outlets. Those found engaging in such activities will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law."
Those convicted of an offence of providing massage services in an establishment for massage without a valid licence are liable to a fine of up to $10,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to five years or both.
