Police Conduct Raids on Massage Establishments in Toa Payoh, Bukit Timah, River Valley, and Sin Ming; 48 Women Under Investigation

A total of 110 individuals, aged between 20 and 70, are currently under investigation for suspected involvement in various illicit activities following a joint enforcement operation conducted from April 26 to 28, 2023.

The operation was spearheaded by officers from the Tanglin Division and the Criminal Investigation Department, with support from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and the Health Sciences Authority.

Raids on Massage Establishments
As part of the effort to combat vice activities, police raided several massage establishments and commercial units across Toa Payoh, Bukit Timah, River Valley, and Sin Ming Road. A total of 48 women, aged between 20 and 47, are being investigated for offenses under the Women’s Charter of 1961.

Illegal Gambling Activities
In a separate enforcement operation in the Bishan and Toa Payoh areas targeting unlawful gambling activities, 11 individuals, aged between 54 and 70, are under investigation for offenses related to the Gambling Control Act of 2022. These individuals are suspected of playing various roles, including illegal bookmakers, runners, and punters.

During this operation, police seized S$2,022 in cash, mobile phones, and other gambling paraphernalia. Under the Gambling Control Act 2022, those found guilty of unlawful betting can face fines of up to S$200,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Individuals who gamble with unlawful providers may face fines of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

Online Casino Operations
Police also conducted raids on two offices along Burn Road, where 19 individuals, aged between 21 and 65, were reportedly found gaming remotely. More than S$5,000 in cash, along with computers and electronic equipment facilitating remote gaming, were confiscated as evidence.

Public Entertainment Outlets
In collaboration with the ICA and HSA, police targeted public entertainment venues on Orchard Road. Six women were arrested for working without valid work permits under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act of 1990, and 11 electronic vaporisers were seized.

Selling, possessing for sale, or distributing e-vaporisers and their components is prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993, carrying penalties of up to S$10,000 in fines or imprisonment for first offenses, and up to S$20,000 or 12 months of imprisonment for subsequent offenses.

Unlicensed Moneylending Activities
Additionally, 26 individuals, aged between 17 and 69, are under investigation for suspected involvement in unlicensed moneylending and operating as money mules. The penalties for unlicensed moneylending can include imprisonment for up to four years, fines ranging from S$30,000 to S$300,000, and caning of up to six strokes.

Offenses related to cheating, money laundering, and operating without a license under the Payment Services Act can also result in significant penalties, including lengthy imprisonment terms and hefty fines.