195 arrested in islandwide vice raids

Among those arrested was a 41-year-old Singaporean man who was charged in court on Oct 23 for his involvement in facilitating vice activities. Investigations on the others are ongoing, police added.

Those who use remote communication services with a Singapore link to offer sexual services in Singapore by a woman or girl in exchange for payment will face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

Anyone who procures any woman for prostitution, knowingly lives on the earnings of the prostitution of another person, or knowingly solicits, receives or agrees to receive a reward for providing any service that aids the prostitution of another person will face imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine of up to $100,000.

Repeat offenders of either crime will face imprisonment for seven to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both.

CID director Julius Lim said: “Vice syndicates are not simply a vice problem. Their activities are often linked to other forms of criminality and pose broader threats to public safety and security.

“As these syndicates increasingly exploit technology and operate across borders, our enforcement efforts must keep pace, both at home and in coordination with foreign partners. We will continue to disrupt these syndicates and bring those responsible to justice.”