The Police have arrested nine Vietnamese women, aged between 21 and 31, for their suspected involvement in vice-related activities.
In an operation mounted on 21 July 2021, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and three Police Land Divisions conducted coordinated raids at multiple units within two condominiums in the vicinity of Middle Road. Preliminary investigations revealed that the women had allegedly provided sexual services via an online vice website and have committed an offence under the Women’s Charter.
Six of the women, aged between 22 and 31, have had their Short-Term Visit Passes cancelled and will be deported. Investigations against the remaining three women are ongoing.
Under the Women’s Charter, any person who knowingly solicits, receives or agrees to receive any gratification as an inducement or reward for providing any service, and who by providing that service does or will aid the prostitution of another person (being a woman or girl), shall be guilty of an offence, and shall on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years and a fine not exceeding $100,000.
All property owners also 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. This includes verifying the identity of a prospective tenant and his/her purpose of the tenancy, before entering into a tenancy agreement or allowing the prospective tenant to start occupying the apartment. This can be done by:
- Personally inspecting the prospective tenant’s documents of identity; and
- Having a face-to-face interview with them.
Tenants who sublet their private property should adopt similar checks before they sublet the property as well. Property owners or the agent of an owner of a place who knowingly rent their premises to any person for vice-related activities will be prosecuted under the Women’s Charter and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $150,000, jailed up to seven years or both.
The Police will continue to partner with the community and members of the public on the information submitted regarding vice activities and will take tough enforcement action against those involved in such activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
23 July 2021 @ 10:00 PM