The Singapore Police Force (SPF) conducted a three-day island-wide operation from May 4 to 6.

Police officers conducted "coordinated raids" on various locations including HDB housing estates, condominiums, massage establishments, and a hotel, SPF said in a statement on May 10.

30 women and 19 men implicated

A total of 30 women, aged between 19 and 48, were arrested for suspected involvement in vice-related activities.

A total of 19 men, aged between 19 and 85, were found in the premises that were raided.

As they had left their residences for non-essential activities, they were each fined S$300 for breaching safe distancing measures, SPF said.

SPF said that it will continue to take "tough enforcement action against criminal activities, including during the Covid-19 circuit breaker period", and advised members of the public to "take the circuit breaker measures seriously".

Vice activities increasingly conducted in residential estates

The statement from SPF said that vice activities are "increasingly being conducted in residential estates".

This trend has been facilitated by online platforms where vice-related services can be advertised.

SPF said that vice activities in residential areas has caused "significant disamenities to residents", and has compromised their "sense of safety and security".

Members of the public encouraged to report suspected vice activities

SPF also said that members of the public should report any suspected vice activities, and that all information received will be kept strictly confidential.

This can be done via the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

Penalties for property owners, tenants

SPF also warned of penalties for property owners and tenants who allow their premises to be used for vice-related activities.

Property owners, including HDB flat owners, must ensure that such activities do not take place, and should "exercise vigilance and look out for suspicious or dubious tenants".

Those who knowingly allow their premises to be used for vice-related activities are liable to be prosecuted under the Women’s Charter, SPF said.

If convicted, they face fines up to S$3,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

Penalties for agents or pimps

As for those who are found acting as agents or pimps for vice activities, SPF said that they could be fined up to S$10,000 and imprisoned for up to five years.

Meanwhile, errant massage establishment licensees may be liable under the Massage Establishment Act and could be punished with a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

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Top photo via anneniuniu on unsplash