Brothel receptionist, arrested five times in police raids, jailed 19 weeks
As a receptionist for a prostitution syndicate, the 39-year-old Chinese national collected payments, took bookings and led customers to rooms.
During the course of her work, Du Chaomei (transliterated) was arrested five times after a series of police raids at three locations.
On Nov 12, she was sentenced to 19 weeks in jail.
According to Shin Min Daily News, Du faced seven charges under the Women's Charter and the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
She pleaded guilty to three charges, with the remaining counts taken into consideration for sentencing.
First arrested in July 2024
Investigations revealed that Du was first arrested on July 4, 2024 at a shophouse unit along Geylang Road.
The premises were being used for illegal prostitution, and Du served as a receptionist - helping to manage the venue, explaining prices to customers, and collecting payments.
She was released on bail the next day, but was then deployed to another "massage parlour" along Balestier Road. She was arrested there again on Sept 6 and released two days later.
On the evening of Nov 22, 2024, authorities conducted another raid at the same "massage parlour". Five men and nine women were found on the premises, including Du.
Detained for the third time, she was again released on bail the following day.
Arrested for the fifth time in Aug
On Aug 7, she was arrested for the fourth time during a police raid on an illegal brothel along MacPherson Road. Seven other women and five men were also present during the operation.
Du was working as a receptionist there, and was responsible for opening the door, collecting payments, directing customers to shower facilities, and taking bookings. She managed 10 mobile phones at once.
She was arrested for the fifth time on Aug 28 and has been remanded since.
The prosecutor stressed that Du played an essential role in the prostitution syndicate, helping to manage the brothels, attend to customers and handle bookings.
He urged the court to impose a jail term of 19 to 22 weeks.
