6 teens, aged 17 to 19, arrested for being members of unlawful societies

Six male teenagers, aged between 17 and 19, were arrested on Saturday (Jan 9) for being suspected members of an unlawful society.

The police said in a statement that they received a report on a group of people shouting gang slogans and gesturing gang-related hand signs at a chalet along Jalan Loyang Besar.

"Officers from Bedok Police Division and the Criminal Investigation Department responded to the incident and arrested four male teenagers at the scene for being suspected members of an unlawful society for their alleged involvement in shouting gang slogans and gesturing gang-related hand signs at the chalet and circulating a video of their actions online," said the police.

Through follow-up investigations, another two male teenagers were arrested for being suspected members of an unlawful society on Tuesday (Jan 12) in relation to the incident.

The group will also be investigated for alleged non-compliance with safe distancing measures (SDM) under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Anyone found guilty of being a member of an unlawful society under the Societies Act shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.

Under the same Act, anyone who displays, sells or exposes for sale, or transmits through the post or who, without lawful authority or excuse, has in his possession any placard, newspaper, book, circular, pictorial representation or any other document or writing whatsoever which is issued or appears to be issued by or on behalf of or in the interests of an unlawful society shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.

For non-compliance with SDM under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $10,000, or both.

The police added that they have zero tolerance towards secret society activities and will not hesitate to take action against those who choose to be associated with gangs or blatantly flaunt their gang affiliation, through social media or otherwise.

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