Singapore Police Arrest 44 People for Vice Activities and Illegal Gambling at Geylang Food Court

Singapore police conducted a major enforcement operation on 29 May 2025, resulting in the arrest of 44 individuals for suspected vice activities and illegal gambling at a food court near Geylang Lorong 23.

Vice Operations Centred Around Food Court

The operation targeted a food court in the vicinity of Geylang Lorong 23, where 42 people aged between 25 and 63 were arrested for alleged offences under the Women’s Charter 1961.

A 50-year-old woman was separately arrested at a hotel along Geylang Road for providing sexual services. She allegedly used the food court as her place of assignation.

Gambling Ring Dismantled Alongside Vice Operations

A 49-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly conducting unlawful lotteries at the same food court. Police seized betting-related paraphernalia from her during the operation.

The simultaneous arrests occurred at the same food court location.

Potential Penalties for Vice and Gambling Charges

Under the Women’s Charter 1961, individuals who keep, manage or assist in managing a place of assignation face fines up to S$100,000 (~SGD$100,000) or imprisonment up to five years, or both.

Repeat offenders face harsher penalties of up to S$150,000 (~SGD$150,000) in fines or seven years imprisonment, or both.

The Gambling Control Act 2022 imposes even steeper penalties for unlawful lottery conduct, with fines reaching S$500,000 (~SGD$500,000) and imprisonment up to seven years.

Police investigations against all 44 arrested individuals remain ongoing. Authorities stated they do not condone activities that threaten public safety, peace and good order in the community.