A joint operation conducted by multiple agencies in Singapore resulted in the arrest of 29 individuals at KTV lounges on Orchard Road. The raid took place between March 1 and March 2, 2024, and involved officers from the Tanglin Police Division, the Criminal Investigation Department, the Ministry of Manpower, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, and the Health Sciences Authority.
26 Women arrested
Of the 29 arrested, 26 were women and 3 were men. A reporter from Shin Min Daily News witnessed at least four women and two men attempting to escape during the raid on one of the KTV lounges. These individuals were intercepted by police officers, who questioned them regarding their actions.
The operation began at around 10 pm on a Friday night and focused on two KTV lounges located in Cuppage Plaza and Far East Shopping Centre, both in the basement. Reporters from Shin Min Daily News and Lianhe Zaobao accompanied the enforcement officers to the scene.
Image via Lianhe Zaobao
Upon entering the KTV lounge in Far East Shopping Centre, the Shin Min reporter observed a tense atmosphere, with officers questioning hostesses and patrons. Many of the hostesses, who wore revealing clothing, appeared uncooperative. The reporter also noticed that most of the hostesses held Vietnamese passports and that the premises were cluttered with personal items, such as bags, high heels, lipsticks, and even condoms. Two men who attempted to escape were questioned in a corridor, while an intoxicated patron was escorted away to vomit, and another was found arguing with an officer over alleged vape product possession.
At the Cuppage Plaza KTV lounge, the operation was less eventful, with around 20 hostesses present, who remained calmer throughout the process.
Image via Lianhe Zaobao
A total of 62 individuals, aged between 21 and 75, were investigated for various offences, including illegal gambling, contravention of the Women’s Charter, flouting the Societies Act, and drug-related crimes. Six individuals were specifically investigated for the possession of vape products. The police confiscated multiple vape products, cash, mobile phones, and gambling equipment during the operation. Investigations are still ongoing.
This multi-agency crackdown demonstrates the commitment of Singaporean authorities to maintaining law and order and addressing vice and illegal activities within the country.
Top Image via Lianhe Zaobao