In Singapore, police arrested 35 individuals aged between 25 and 58 for their alleged involvement in vice-related activities. The arrests followed a series of enforcement operations conducted between November 12, 2024, and December 6, 2024.
In the first operation, which took place from November 12 to December 3, officers from the Clementi Police Division, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Housing & Development Board (HDB) raided six establishments. These included a massage parlor and five outlets masquerading as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics located along Jurong East Avenue 1 and Jurong East Street 31.
During the raids, eight women aged between 34 and 49 were apprehended for allegedly offering sexual services. A 58-year-old man was also arrested for managing a place of assignation under the Women’s Charter. Preliminary investigations revealed irregularities in the operations of these establishments. One TCM outlet was not registered under any certified practitioner, while the massage parlor displayed invalid documents, including a TCM practicing certificate from a previously operated business.
The operators of these establishments are now being investigated for providing massage services without a valid license, which violates Section 5(1) of the Massage Establishments Act 2017. Unlicensed operations can result in fines up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders may face harsher penalties, including fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to five years.
Separately, on December 6, 2024, officers from CID, Bedok Police Division, and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) conducted a raid at a hotel near Geylang Lorong 12. This operation led to the arrest of 26 individuals aged between 25 and 29, who are suspected of involvement in vice-related activities. A 42-year-old woman believed to have facilitated organized vice operations was also apprehended under the Women’s Charter.
Under the Women’s Charter 1961, individuals involved in vice operations face severe penalties. Anyone caught managing a place of assignation may be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined up to $100,000. Soliciting or facilitating prostitution carries similar penalties, with imprisonment of up to seven years and fines reaching $100,000.
The authorities emphasized that under the Massage Establishments (Exemption) Order 2018, licensed TCM practitioners who personally administer treatments are exempt from the Massage Establishments Act. However, premises that hire non-TCM personnel for massages must either notify the police of open-concept operations or obtain a valid massage establishment license.
Singapore’s police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against vice-related activities and unlicensed establishments. They warned operators and participants of severe consequences under the law and pledged continued enforcement efforts to ensure public safety and compliance.
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