8 women arrested in Kovan and Hougang during anti-vice blitz

SINGAPORE — Eight women, aged 25 to 47, who allegedly advertised sexual services online and operated within rented residential units were arrested in an anti-vice operation conducted on Wednesday (Oct 26), the Singapore Police said in a statement.

During the 13-hour operation, officers from the Ang Mo Kio Division conducted raids in the Hougang and Kovan, seizing S$780 in cash, along with mobile phones and related documents.

The police said investigations are still ongoing.

If convicted, any person who contravenes the offence of being the tenant, lessee or occupier or person in charge of a brothel and the offence of keeping, managing or assisting in the management of a brothel under Section 148 of the Women’s Charter, Chapter 353, are liable to a fine of up to a maximum of S$10,000, or up to five years of jail, or both.

In addition, any person who who contravenes the offence of knowingly living on the earnings of the prostitution of another person, wholly or in part — such as receiving rental earnings from the prostitutes — is liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding S$10,000.