Massage parlours busted

[Tadakatsu Honda]

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The Daily Chilli </td> </tr> <tr> <td height="15">

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Massage parlours get a good squeeze <!-- TITLE : end--> </td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" height="15">

</td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="3" class="bodytext_10pt"> <!-- CONTENT : start --> [Above: The owner of a business in Fortune Centre has been fined thrice since the start of the year, for allowing his premises to be used as an illegal massage parlour. In the four raids of his premise, which is supposed to be a manicure and beauty outlet, police found eight women working there without a work permit and scores of condoms.]

A SERIES of police raids in March netted 32 unlicensed massage parlours in Bedok, Tampines and Marine Parade in Singapore - and ended with 25 operators being summoned to court.

During March 15 to 29, officers also arrested 60 female Chinese nationals for various offences, including working illegally in the massage parlours. Some of the women were said to be involved in vice activities and offered sexual services for a fee.

Those convicted of running a massage establishment without a valid license can be fined up to $1,000 and up to $50 for every day during which the offence continues after conviction. Investigations against the remaining seven establishments are on-going.

Saying the Police will take tough enforcement actions against errant operators, Commander of Bedok Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Teo Chun Ching added: 'Landlords who knowingly allow their premises to be used for such vice activities will be taken to task. Owners have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are not used for illegal activities.'
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