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Two women in Singapore, aged 37 and 45, were arrested under the Women's Charter, according to an Aug. 14 police news release.

Preliminary investigations revealed that they had allegedly provided sexual services within massage establishments.

Police raids on massage establishments

The women were arrested as part of police enforcement operations on massage establishments between Aug. 4 and Aug. 11.

Ang Mo Kio Police Division raided massage establishments located along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Brighton Crescent, Hougang Avenue 8, Upper Paya Lebar Road, and Yio Chu Kang Road.

Seven massage establishments were found to have committed various offences under the Massage Establishments Act.

The police also found that four of the massage establishments were allegedly operating without valid licenses, while vice-related activities were purportedly detected at another three licensed massage establishments.

Police investigating nine people in total

In total, nine people, comprising operators and masseuses, are being investigated by the police. Investigations are ongoing.

Those found carrying on a business of providing massage services in an establishment for massage without a valid licence can be jailed for up to two years, fined up to S$10,000, or both.

Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to five years, fined up to S$20,000, or both.

Under Section 35 of the Massage Establishments Act, those found to have breached the prescribed rules and conditions may be fined up to S$5,000.

Repeat offenders can be fined up to S$10,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.

Under the Women’s Charter, any person who knowingly solicits, receives or agrees to receive any gratification as an inducement or reward for providing any service, and who by providing that service, does or will aid the prostitution of another person (being a woman or girl), shall be guilty of an offence.

If convicted, they can be jailed for up to seven years and fined up to S$100,000.

The police added in its news release:

"The police have been consistently taking enforcement action at massage establishments to suppress vice and other illicit activities. Perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law."

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Top image courtesy of Singapore Police Force.