26 arrested in island-wide operation against vice activities and illegal gambling

Nineteen women and seven men, aged between 22 and 68, were arrested in a series of enforcement operations against massage establishments, vice and illegal gambling activities conducted islandwide from Apr 8 to 14.

The seven-day operation was conducted by Tanglin Police Division at Balestier Road, Upper Paya Lebar Road, Upper Thomson Road, Macpherson Road, Outram Road, Toa Payoh and Orchard areas.

The police said in a news release that the 26 people were arrested for various immigration-related and criminal offences including offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act and Remote Gambling Act.

Ten unlicensed massage establishments were detected and two licenced massage establishments were found to have contravened licencing conditions.

The police advised landlords and hotel owners to ensure their tenants do not carry vice activities inside their premises. 

Unlicensed brothel operators can be given a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or up to five years’ jail.

Any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of the prostitution of another person can be jailed up to five years and fined up to $10,000. 

Actions will be taken against the operators for flouting the rules and regulations under the Massage Establishment Act (MEA).  

Operators of unlicensed massage establishments are liable to enhanced penalties under the MEA. 

If convicted, first-time offenders may face a fine of up to $10,000, or jailed up to 2 years, or both. 

For repeat offenders, they may be fined up to $20,000, or jailed up to 5 years, or both.