KTV raid part of largest enforcement blitz since start of pandemic, 759 being probed
Posted on 16 December 2022 | 8,738 views | 9 comments
Gabrielle Chan
The Straits Times
December 15, 2022 Patrons at a packed three-storey karaoke lounge in Jalan Sultan had their night out cut short on Dec 9 when the police raided the outlet at 11.30pm and arrested 44 people. The 39 women, aged between 20 and 37, and five men, aged between 23 and 34, are being investigated for offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. The raid was part of the largest islandwide enforcement blitz since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, with over 1,300 police officers deployed in the operation from Nov 21 to Dec 14.
Led by various police land divisions and supported by several government agencies, the multi-agency operation ended with a total of 464 men and 295 women, aged between 15 and 88, being investigated for their involvement in various offences.
Investigations against the 759 individuals are ongoing.
The operation was aimed at clamping down on crime and illegal activities, such as illegal gambling, vice activities and drug-related offences, ahead of the festive season.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Jeremy Ang Boon Sheng, commander of Central Police Division, said: “To maintain law and order as well as prevent crime, we conduct regular enforcement checks at public entertainment outlets to ensure that the operators comply with regulations.
“This also allows the police to weed out illicit vice activities at massage establishments and illegal gambling activities at public places and private compounds.”
In the Dec 9 raid on the KTV lounge, the police told customers to leave and instructed the female workers to wait in a room.
The women covered their faces with their hands while standing in the dimly lit room as police officers in uniform asked for their mobile phones and identification documents. After a 20-minute check, those who were not subject to further investigations were told to go straight home.
The Straits Times
December 15, 2022 Patrons at a packed three-storey karaoke lounge in Jalan Sultan had their night out cut short on Dec 9 when the police raided the outlet at 11.30pm and arrested 44 people. The 39 women, aged between 20 and 37, and five men, aged between 23 and 34, are being investigated for offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
Police officers checking the female workers’ mobile phones and identification documents. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
An operation conducted at a commercial unit in Balestier. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
Source:
The Straits Times
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