Vice-related activities, unlicensed massage establishments detected during police operation

Three massage establishments were found to be operating without a valid license during an enforcement operation conducted along Upper Serangoon Road and Hougang Street 21 last Thursday (Feb 25).

Vice-related activities were also detected at another licensed massage establishment during the operation conducted by Ang Mo Kio Police Division.

.Police investigations are ongoing.

Under the Massage Establishment Act 2017, operators of unlicensed massage establishments are liable for enhanced penalties.

The offence of carrying on a business of providing massage services in an establishment for massage without a valid license carries a fine not exceeding $10,000 and/or a jail term of up to two years.

Repeat offenders face a fine not exceeding S$20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years.

Under the Massage Establishment Rules 2018, operators who fail to ensure that staff do not provide sexual services are liable, on conviction, to a fine of up to S$5,000.

For repeat offenders, the offence carries a fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding two years.

The police said they will also take action against landlords who knowingly lease their premises to unlicensed operators.

They added: "The police take a serious view against any person who may be involved in such illicit business operations and perpetrators will be dealt with sternly in accordance to the law."