25 operators of unlicensed massage establishments will be summoned to court arising from a series of Police raids in the Bedok, Tampines and Marine Parade area.

During the raids which were conducted between 15 to 29 March 2010, 32 premises were found to be operating a massage establishment without a valid license. A total of 60 female Chinese Nationals were also arrested and investigated for various offences related to them working illegally in these establishments. Some of these female Chinese Nationals were believed to be involved in vice activities and had offered sexual services for a fee.

25 of the 32 unlicensed Massage Establishment operators will be summoned to Court 23 on 5 May 2010 for operating a Massage Establishment without a valid license, an offence under Section 9(a) of the Massage Establishments Act, Chapter 173. Any person convicted of this offence shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and to a further fine not exceeding $50 for every day during which the offence continues after conviction. Investigations against the remaining 7 establishments are on-going.

Commander of Bedok Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Teo Chun Ching said “Such unlicensed massage establishments are a breeding ground for illicit activities and the Police will not hesitate to take tough enforcement actions against the errant operators. Landlords who knowingly allow their premises to be used for such vice activities will be taken to task. Owners have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are not used for illegal activities.”