A 41-year-old Singaporean man has been charged in court for allegedly facilitating vice activities, following a series of islandwide police operations that resulted in 195 arrests.
The Singapore Police Force said the man was charged on Oct 23 under Section 146A(1)(b) of the Women’s Charter 1961.
He was among 195 people arrested between Sep 14 and Oct 30. The group comprised eight men and 187 women, aged between 18 and 63.
According to the police, 16 of those arrested were allegedly involved in assisting or facilitating vice-related activities.
Police Conducted Raids At 61 Locations Across Singapore
The coordinated operations were carried out by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department’s Specialised Crime Branch, with support from all seven Police Land Divisions.
A total of 61 locations were targeted during the operations, including massage establishments, public entertainment outlets, beauty salons, hotels and residential units.
During the raids, officers seized mobile phones, computers, items believed to be connected to vice activities and cash exceeding S$150,000.
The authorities also froze bank accounts containing more than S$600,000.
Investigations into the other individuals arrested during the operation are still ongoing.
Man Faces Up To Five Years’ Jail If Convicted
Under Section 146A(1)(b) of the Women’s Charter 1961, individuals found guilty of using remote communication services with a Singapore link to offer or facilitate sexual services in Singapore in exchange for payment or rewards may face a fine of up to S$100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Repeat offenders face tougher penalties, including a fine of up to S$150,000, imprisonment of up to seven years, or both.
Other offences under the Women’s Charter carry similarly substantial penalties.
These include procuring women for prostitution, knowingly living on the earnings of another person’s prostitution, and receiving payments in exchange for services that facilitate prostitution.
Those convicted of such offences may face up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to S$100,000. Repeat offenders may face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to S$150,000.
The police said investigations into the islandwide operation remain ongoing.
All individuals arrested are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.