8 women, aged 34 to 49, arrested for allegedly providing sexual services in TCM outlets & massage parlours

A total of 35 individuals between the ages of 25 and 58 have been arrested by police for their suspected involvement in vice-related activities following multiple raids conducted across Singapore.

Had a "TCM" store-front

Between Nov. 12 and Dec. 3, 2024, a joint operation by the Housing & Development Board (HDB), Clementi Police Division, and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) saw nine individuals arrested across six locations along Jurong East Avenue 1 and Jurong East Street 31.

Among the six locations, one massage parlour was found to be operating without a valid license.

Investigations also found that it had been displaying an invalid Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practising and registration certificate from a previous tenant.

The remaining five shops are believed to be operating as TCM outlets providing massage as a service, though none have valid licenses to provide massages.

Preliminary investigations also found that one of the five TCM shops is not registered as a place of practice by any TCM practitioner.

Eight women, aged 34 to 49, were arrested for allegedly providing sexual services at these establishments.

A 58-year-old man was also arrested for managing a place for assignation.

The operators of these establishments are under investigation for providing massage services without valid licenses.

Geylang hotel raid

In a separate raid on Dec. 6 by police and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), 26 persons between the ages of 25 and 29 were arrested at a hotel located at Geylang Lorong 12, similarly for vice-related activities.

A 42-year-old woman, who allegedly helmed syndicate operations, was amongst those arrested.

Under the Women's Charter 1961:

• 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 liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of up to seven years and shall also be liable to a fine of up to $100,000.
• Any person who keeps, manages or assists in the management of a place of assignation shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of up to five years and shall also be liable to a fine of up to $100,000

Investigations are ongoing.

Top image from SPF