The Police have arrested 20 women, aged between 20 and 34, of Korean, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese nationalities, for their suspected involvement in vice-related activities within three pivoted KTV lounges currently operating as F&B outlets. The arrests were made in an anti-crime operation conducted along South Bridge Road, Selegie Road and Geylang Road on 13 July 2021. The women will be investigated for alleged offences under the Women’s Charter, the Immigration Act, and the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
Additionally, investigations against the three pivoted KTV operators are ongoing for breach of safe management measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, as the operators had allegedly provided hostessing services within their premises. One of the outlets had also allegedly provided dice games, which is a prohibited entertainment activity under the regulation. The Singapore Food Agency will look into revoking the food licences of operators found to have committed egregious breaches of Safe Management Measures. Establishments which lose their food licence must cease operations with immediate effect until their re-application for a new food licence is approved.
For non-compliance with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$10,000, or both.
Members of the public are advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously. The Police take a very negative view of irresponsible behaviours relating to the flouting of safe distancing measures and offenders will be dealt with firmly.
Police will be further stepping up checks on such outlets and also stepping up enforcement against vice and other illegal activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
14 July 2021 @ 8:50 PM