21 arrested for gambling, vice activities in police operations in Bedok and Changi

Seventeen men and four women were arrested for their involvement in illegal gambling activities and vice activities in a two-day enforcement operation led by Bedok Neighbourhood Police Centre over the weekend (May 28 and 29).

For the first operation at Bedok North Street 3, New Upper Changi Road and Bedok South Road, nine men, aged between 52 and 75, were found to have allegedly acted as bookmakers by collecting and placing bets through physical and remote means for seven men, who had allegedly placed bets with the bookmakers. Cash amounting to more than $7,500 and three mobile phones were seized.

For the second operation at Changi Road, eight men, aged between 55 and 76, and a woman, 68, were arrested for their suspected involvement in illegal gambling activities. They will be investigated for offences under the Common Gaming House Act 1961. Cash amounting to $258, a mobile phone and gambling paraphernalia were seized. 

For the third operation at New Upper Changi Road, two massage establishments were found to have failed to ensure employees do not provide sexual services. Three women, aged between 29 and 43, were also arrested for offences under the Women’s Charter 1961.

Individuals found to have breached the prescribed rules and conditions under the Massage Establishments Rules 2018 are liable to a fine not more than $5,000. Repeat offenders who breach the Massage Establishments Rules 2018 will be liable to a fine not more than $10,000, imprisonment for a term not more than two years, or both.

Any person who is found to be involved in bookmaking shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not more than five years. Any person who bets with a bookmaker shall be liable on conviction to a fine not more than $5,000, imprisonment for a term not more than six months, or both.

The offence of gaming in a common gaming house carries a fine of up to $5,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both. The offence of being the owner or occupier of which he/she has the use temporarily, or otherwise thereof, keeps or uses a place as a common gaming house carries a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000, and a jail term of up to three years.

Commanding Officer of Bedok Neighbourhood Police Centre, Superintendent of Police Lee Han Sheng said: “The police have zero tolerance towards illegal activities that threaten the safety and security of our communities and will spare no effort to clamp down on illegal activities.

"The police will take enforcement against perpetrators and continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to conduct regular enforcement operations. Members of the public are also advised to steer clear of crime and to report those engaging in such unlawful activities to the police immediately.”