The Police have arrested 30 women, aged between 19 and 48, for suspected involvement in vice-related activities in a three-day island-wide operation conducted between 4 and 6 May 2020.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Central Division, Tanglin Division, Ang Mo Kio Division and Bedok Division conducted coordinated raids during the three-day operation, which targeted vice activities in HDB housing estates, private condominiums, massage establishments and a hotel. Investigations are ongoing.
Nineteen men, aged between 19 and 85, were found inside these premises during the raids. As the men had left their residences for a non-essential activity, the Police issued each of them with a notice of composition of S$300 for flouting safe distancing regulations under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.
Vice activities are increasingly being conducted in residential estates, facilitated by the use of online platforms to advertise vice-related services and solicit for clients. This has caused significant disamenities to residents and affected their sense of safety and security.
All property owners have a responsibility to ensure that such illicit activities do not take place in their properties. They should exercise vigilance and look out for suspicious or dubious tenants. For example, HDB flat owners are responsible for conducting regular checks to ensure that their tenants do not misuse the flat, further rent out any part of the flat, or create nuisance to their neighbours, as specified under HDB’s Terms and Conditions. HDB takes a serious view of flat owners and tenants who violate such conditions, particularly if the flat is misused for vice activities, and will not hesitate to take the appropriate action against them.
Flat owners and tenants who knowingly allow their premises to be used for vice-related activities will also be prosecuted under the Women’s Charter. If convicted, they can be fined up to $3,000, imprisoned for up to three years, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, offenders can be fined up to $10,000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.
The Police will also take stern action against those found acting as agents or pimps for vice activities. Under the Women’s Charter, offenders can be fined up to $10,000 and imprisoned for up to five years. The Police will also take action against errant massage establishment licensees under the Massage Establishment Act, where they can be punished with a fine of up to $10,000 or an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected vice activities to the Police, via the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information received will be kept strictly confidential.
The Police will continue to take tough enforcement action against criminal activities, including during the COVID-19 circuit breaker period. Those found engaging in illicit activities will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law. Members of the public are also advised to take the circuit breaker measures seriously.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
10 May 2020 @ 9:00 PM