SINGAPORE: Eight men and 20 women between the ages of 21 and 61 have been arrested for their suspected involvement in vice-related offences, the police said on Thursday (Jul 31).

The 28 were arrested on Wednesday after the police and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers conducted raids in the vicinity of Jalan Layang Layang, Pasir Panjang Road, Boon Lay Avenue, Craig Road, Jurong West Street 71, Beach Road, Tai Seng Avenue, Bencoolen Street, Kim Yam Road, Onan Road, Orchard Road and Jalan Kemaman.

During the operation, assets amounting to more than S$610,000 (US$470,000) comprising cash, funds in bank accounts, two luxury cars and 18 luxury watches, as well as two mobile phones, laptops and vice-related paraphernalia, were seized, police said.

Three men, aged between 30 and 45, will be charged in court on Friday under the Women’s Charter for allegedly facilitating the operation of the online vice syndicate.

Investigations against the other persons are ongoing.

The police said they will continue to take tough enforcement actions against those involved in syndicated vice activities and suspend activities that “threaten public safety, peace and good order of the community”.

Under the Women’s Charter, any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of the prostitution of another person shall be liable on conviction to up to seven years’ jail and a fine of up to S$100,000.

Those who keep, manage or assist in the management of a brothel shall be liable on conviction to a fine of up to S$100,000 or up to five years’ jail or to both.