17 men, aged 15 to 57, arrested for being suspected members of unlawful societies

A total of 17 men, aged between 15 and 57, were arrested for being suspected members of unlawful societies following island-wide enforcement operations at nightlife establishments from August 20 to September 12.

The series of operations were jointly carried out by police officers from the Secret Societies Branch of Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police Land Divisions, together with Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers (SDEO) from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Enterprise Singapore (ESG), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Housing & Development Board (HDB).

During these operations, the police conducted checks on 543 persons and arrested 17 men for being suspected members of unlawful societies.

Four food and beverage outlets, namely Beer Belly Lok Lok Bar, Chips Café and Pub, Ocean Star Bar & Grill and Oh My Bistro were allegedly detected to be in breach of safe management measures under COVID-19 (Temporary Measures)(Control Order) Regulations 2020.

Police investigations against the 17 men for being suspected members of unlawful societies are ongoing.

The police said they have zero tolerance towards secret society activities and "will not hesitate to take strong actions including invoking the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act that provides for detention without trial, against anyone involved in secret society and criminal activities that threatens the public safety, peace and good order."

They added: "Members of the public are advised to steer clear of secret society activities and to report those engaging in such unlawful activities to the police immediately."

Anyone found guilty of being a member of an unlawful society may face a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a jail term of up to three years.

For non-compliance with safe management measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures)(Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may be punished with a fine not exceeding $10,000 and/or a jail term of up to six months.