Singapore police arrests saree-clad women for vice activities

Fourteen women, at least four of them saree-clad, have been arrested during a series of police raids targeting prostitution rackets, the Singapore Police Force said on Monday.

A 33-year-old man was also arrested for offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, the Singapore Police Force said in a statement.

Identities of those arrested were not revealed but photograph released by the police showed at least four of them wore sarees.

Investigations are ongoing, the police said, adding that the women, aged between 20 and 52, were arrested for prostitution-related offences under the Women's Charter, the police said.

They were operating from hotels and rented apartments along Jalan Besar, Eu Tong Sen Street, Temple Street, Albert Street, Jalan Sultan and Smith Street within the main city.

The women had advertised their services on various social media platforms.

The police advised landlords and hotel owners to ensure tenants do not carry out vice activities on their premises.

Unlicensed brothel operators face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to SGD10,000. Anyone convicted of living off the earnings of the prostitution of another person can be jailed up to five years and fined up to SGD10,000.