14 men arrested for being suspected members of unlawful societies

Fourteen men, aged between 16 and 44, have been arrested for being suspected members of unlawful societies after islandwide anti-crime operations.

The police said officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police Land Divisions, together with Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers (SDEO) from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), jointly carried out operations at nightlife establishments, food and beverage (F&B) outlets, shopping malls and a billiard saloon.

Police checks along Circular Road

Police investigations against the fourteen men are ongoing.

Five F&B outlets were found to have allegedly breached Covid-19 safe management measures (SMM).

The Base Bistro located at 401 Macpherson Road

The outlets involved are:

1. The Base Bistro located at 401 Macpherson Road was issued with a closure order for ten days with effect from Oct 7 and fined $1,000. The outlet’s supervisor was also fined $300 for not wearing a mask.

2. The Sleeping Giants located at 29 Sembawang Road is currently being investigated for alleged breach of COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 for providing entertainment in their outlet.

3. SMLJ Pub located at 22 Circular Road had been issued with a closure order for 20 days with effect from Oct 15 and fined $2,000.

4. Mama Chin Nonya Café located at 41 Circular Road was issued with a closure order for 10 days with effect from Oct 15 and fined $1,000.

5. Phorage located at 25 Church Street was issued with a closure order for 10 days with effect from Oct 8. Thirteen individuals were also issued with a Notice of Composition of $1,000 each.

Anyone found guilty of being a member of an unlawful society the Societies Act, shall be fined up to $5,000, face yo to three years' jail, or both. Anyone convicted for non-compliance with SMM under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, will be fined up to $10,000, face up to six months' jail, or both.

The police said they have zero tolerance towards secret society activities that threaten the public safety, peace, and good order, and will not hesitate to take firm actions against those who are associated with gangs and blatantly disregard the law.

Members of the public are also advised to take all prevailing safe distancing measures seriously.