Singapore authorities arrested 20 individuals and are investigating six others following targeted enforcement operations at hair salons and entertainment venues in Geylang and Joo Chiat. These operations, led by the police and supported by other enforcement agencies, took place on June 20 and June 27, 2025.
On June 27, police raided three salons in the Geylang area. At one of the outlets, plainclothes officers caught several women offering unlicensed massage services. During the raid, four men were found receiving such services inside the shop. Although they were not detained, they remained at the premises hoping to obtain refunds.
The salon’s setup mirrored a typical beauty salon at the front, but the rear of the shop was outfitted with facilities clearly intended for massage services. The police found four massage beds, six hair washing stations, and two foot massage recliners. A total of at least seven women were present and working in the establishment at the time of the operation. Identity checks revealed that some of them were Singapore permanent residents.
According to current regulations under the Massage Establishments Act, at least 80% of staff employed at massage establishments must hold certifications in beauty therapy services. However, some operators have been circumventing these regulations by branding themselves as hair or beauty salons while secretly offering massage services. The outlet in question had previously gone viral in December 2024, when it posted a TikTok video offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who could uncover illegal activity inside their premises. That same salon, along with two others found operating beyond allowed hours, is now under active investigation for breaching licensing rules.
In a separate operation also conducted on June 27, police raided a KTV lounge in Geylang and arrested 10 women. All were Chinese nationals and did not possess valid work passes. Customers were still seen partying during the raid. This raid formed part of a broader crackdown against illegal activity, including touting, vice-related offences, and drug violations. Another 12 women between the ages of 32 and 50 were also arrested for working without valid work passes across various locations in Geylang and Joo Chiat.
Officers also uncovered fire safety violations at one of the Geylang entertainment venues, such as blocked emergency exits. These findings have been referred to the relevant fire safety authorities for further action.
Simultaneously, the Traffic Police conducted anti-drink driving roadblocks in the area. Seven male motorists, aged between 24 and 55, were arrested for driving under the influence. One of them, a 26-year-old, was also found driving without a valid licence. The enforcement actions are in response to rising concerns over drink driving. In 2024, there were 1,778 arrests for drink driving — a 6.9% increase from 2023. While overall drink driving-related accidents fell from 180 in 2023 to 166 in 2024, the number of fatal accidents increased from 11 to 12 in the same period.
During the road checks, a 48-year-old male motorcyclist was arrested for suspected drug offences. He was also found in possession of duty-unpaid cigarettes and electronic vaporisers.
Authorities have reiterated that unlicensed massage services and the employment of individuals without valid work passes are serious offences. Offenders found operating unlicensed massage businesses may face jail terms of up to two years and fines up to $10,000. Repeat offenders could be jailed for up to five years and fined up to $20,000. Individuals working without a valid work pass also face penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $20,000.
The police emphasized their continued vigilance in enforcing laws to maintain public safety and hygiene in entertainment hotspots like Geylang and Joo Chiat.
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