Police bust gambling ring, online sex work operations, and other shady businesses in Yishun, Ang Mo Kio and Sengkang

In today’s glimpse of the seedy underbelly of Singapore, 23 people were arrested in a weeklong operation in the Yishun, Ang Mo Kio and Sengkang areas for various offences.

Of the 23 people arrested, eight were women and fifteen were men, with ages ranging from 27 to 41 years old. The women were arrested for advertising sex online, while four of the men arrested were allegedly operating the gambling ring.

The other ten men were participating in the prohibited games.

Image from Singapore Police Force

What paraphernalia were seized?

During the weeklong operation, police were said to have spoken to 700 people in 70 different buildings throughout the area.

Seized during the raids were ten phones and $730 in cash.

The investigation is ongoing, with more details probably coming to light in the next few days.

Raids in the past

Larger raids have been performed in the past, which yielded higher value cash and items.

On September 30, 2017, a raid was conducted in Bedok that yielded items with a street value of $19,000. 58 people were nabbed in that particular incident, mostly for gambling and vices.

Another raid was conducted on December 23 last year, which resulted in 32 people being nabbed for vice-related offences. This particular operation happened along Jalan Besar Road, Cross Street and Kampong Bahru Road.

Singaporean authorities have stated that anyone who knowingly houses and aids the operation of gambling houses and similar offences may be held liable in court. They urge building owners and other tenants to be vigilant about these activities and to report them to authorities.

What do netizens have to say about this?

Some people called out others, saying that gambling is a trending vice and most probably, everyone has done it.

While others commented on how things have changed in Singapore in recent years.

While others noted that the police have been cracking down on these things quite often.

What do you think of the results of this police operation? Let us know in the comments!

Meanwhile, CNBC says the Singapore has the worlds 2nd lowest crime rate–so low you can leave your things in public places.

Header image from Singapore Police Force.