Woman, 39, arrested in 5 separate vice raids in S'pore while working for prostitution ring, gets 19 weeks' jail

A 39-year-old Chinese national was sentenced to 19 weeks’ jail on Nov. 12 after being arrested in five separate raids at three locations, despite having been released on bail four times.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the woman, Du Chaomei, had been working as a receptionist for a prostitution ring, where she handled payments, assisted clients, and coordinated sexual services.

Du faced a total of seven charges, including offences under the Women’s Charter and the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

She pleaded guilty to three of the charges on Wednesday, and the remaining charges were taken into consideration during sentencing.

Five arrests across three locations

Charge sheets seen by Mothership revealed that Du was first arrested on Jul. 4, 2024, during a raid at a shophouse unit along Geylang Road.

Investigations revealed that illegal prostitution occurred on the premises and that Du had been working as a receptionist, explaining prices and collecting payment from customers seeking sexual services.

She was released on bail the following day.

Du was then assigned to another illicit massage parlour along Balestier Road, where she was arrested again on Sep. 6, 2024, and released two days later.

The same outlet was raided on Nov. 22, 2024, where police found five men and nine women inside.

Du was among them and was arrested for the third time but granted bail the next day.

Nearly a year later, on Aug. 7, police encountered Du yet again, this time at an illegal brothel along MacPherson Road.

She was arrested for the fourth time, along with seven other women and five men.

Investigations showed she worked as the brothel’s receptionist, handling tasks such as opening the door for customers, collecting money, escorting clients to bathing areas and answering calls.

She also reportedly managed 10 mobile phones at once.

Du was arrested for the fifth and final time on Aug. 28 and has remained in custody since.

In court, the prosecution stated that she played a critical role in the syndicate’s operations by managing the premises, handling appointments, and receiving customers, and therefore sought a jail term of 19 to 22 weeks.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News