Police Crack Down on Illegal Activities in Geylang and Joo Chiat
SINGAPORE – A recent series of police operations targeting illegal activities in Geylang and Joo Chiat has led to the arrest of 20 individuals, with six more under investigation for offences such as unlicensed massage services and work pass violations. These raids, carried out on June 20 and June 27, shone a light on how hair salons and public entertainment outlets are used as a front for vice and other illegal dealings.
One of the most notable raids took place at three hair salons in Geylang. Plainclothes officers discovered women offering unlicensed massages in spaces disguised as hair salons. During the raid, four men were caught receiving these illicit services, with massage beds hidden at the back of the shop, separated by thin partitions. Although the men were not arrested, they remained at the premises hoping to recover money spent on the illegal services.
According to the police, the shops maintained an ordinary salon layout at the front to avoid suspicion while operating unauthorised massage stations at the back. In at least one case, women found working there appeared to be Singapore permanent residents. The raids marked the first time media representatives were allowed to observe such enforcement efforts directly inside these illicit operations.
Salons Exploiting Licensing Loopholes Face Prosecution
Under Singapore’s massage establishment licensing rules, at least 80 per cent of employees in massage parlours or spas must hold recognised beauty therapy qualifications. However, some unscrupulous operators attempt to skirt these regulations by branding their premises as hair salons, even while offering unlicensed massage services in private areas.
Following previous reports on the issue in December 2024, one hair salon’s owner even took to social media, offering a S$20,000 reward to anyone who could uncover illegal activities on the premises—an offer now exposed as hollow following the recent raids. Police confirmed that the salons raided on June 27 are being investigated for breaches of the Massage Establishments Act, including operating outside of licensed hours and providing unauthorised services.
The consequences for operators and workers involved are severe. Those convicted of running businesses offering unlicensed massages face up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to S$10,000 for a first offence, with repeat offenders facing up to five years in jail and a S$20,000 fine. Similarly, those working without a valid work pass can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to S$20,000.
Widespread Offences Include Vice, Drugs, and Drink Driving
Beyond the hair salons, police enforcement extended to KTV lounges and entertainment venues across Geylang and Joo Chiat. At one KTV in Geylang on June 27, 10 Chinese nationals were arrested for working illegally without valid work passes, even as customers continued their partying unaware or undeterred by the police presence. Another outlet was cited for fire safety breaches, including blocked emergency exits—a dangerous oversight in crowded nightlife areas.
The operations also targeted drug-related offences. During the raids, a 48-year-old motorcyclist was apprehended for suspected drug offences and found carrying duty-unpaid cigarettes and e-vaporisers. Meanwhile, the Traffic Police conducted anti-drink driving roadblocks in the vicinity, resulting in the arrest of seven motorists aged 24 to 55 for drink driving, including one unlicensed driver.
Recent statistics highlight the ongoing danger: although drink driving-related accidents fell from 180 cases in 2023 to 166 in 2024, fatalities increased slightly from 11 to 12 deaths, underscoring the continued threat posed by irresponsible driving. Police have vowed to maintain rigorous enforcement to curb such behaviours and ensure public safety.
Image Source: Singapore Police Force