24 arrested for suspected involvement in prostitution activities

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested 24 men and women who allegedly took part in illegal prostitution activities.

The 6 men and 18 women arrested are aged between 19 and 64. Investigations revealed that the suspects had advertised sexual services on the Internet.

They were arrested during Criminal Investigation Department (CID) operations in Geylang, Hougang, Bishan and Jurong West.

Computers, mobile phones and a total of $270,000 in cash were seized.

A 21-year-old woman and three men aged between 27 and 51 will be charged in court on Thursday for offences under the Women's Charter. Investigations against the other suspects are ongoing.

Under the Woman's Charter, any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of the prostitution of another person can be jailed up to five years and fined up to $10,000.

Head of the Specialised Crime Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department, Superintendent of Police Lawrence Eng said: "Online vice operators who assume that they can hide through the anonymity offered by the Internet to commit criminal offences should think twice. We will find them and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."

ljessica@sph.com.sg