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The Singapore Police Force (SPF) have arrested eight men and 187 women, aged between 18 and 63, for their involvement in vice-related activities.

Between 14 September and 30 October 2026, officers from the Specialised Crime Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), supported by the seven Police Land Divisions, conducted coordinated raids at 61 locations island-wide, including massage establishments, public entertainment outlets, beauty salons, hotels and residential units. The operation resulted in the arrest of 195 persons for various offences under the Women’s Charter 1961, Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990, Gambling Control Act 2022, and Penal Code 1871. Amongst those arrested, 16 were vice abettors.

During the operations, mobile phones, computers, vice-related paraphernalia and cash amounting to more than $150,000 were seized. In addition, bank accounts containing more than $600,000 were frozen.

Amongst those arrested, a 41-year-old Singaporean man was charged in court on 23 October 2026 under Section 146A(1)(b) of the Women's Charter 1961 for his  involvement in facilitating vice activities. Investigations against other persons arrested during the island-wide operation are ongoing.

Under Section 146A of the Women’s Charter 1961, any person who, in the course of business, uses a remote communication service with a Singapore link to offer or facilitate the provision by a woman or girl to another person of sexual services in Singapore in return for payment or reward, shall be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of up to five years or to both. Repeat offenders shall be liable to a fine of up to $150,000 or to imprisonment for a term of up to seven years or to both.

Under Sections 140(1)(b), 146(1) and 146(1A) of the same Act, any person who (i) procures any woman for the purpose of prostitution; (ii) knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of the prostitution of another person; or (iii) 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, shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of up to seven years and shall also be liable to a fine of up to $100,000. Repeat offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of up to 10 years and shall also be liable to a fine of up to $150,000.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Julius Lim, Director of CID, expressed his appreciation to all officers involved for their professionalism and close coordination during the operations. He said, “Vice syndicates are not simply a vice problem. Their activities are often linked to other forms of criminality and pose broader threats to public safety and security. As these syndicates increasingly exploit technology and operate across borders, our enforcement efforts must keep pace, both at home and in coordination with foreign partners. We will continue to disrupt these syndicates and bring those responsible to justice.”

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