Youth Arrested After Photo of Him Holding a Knife & Showing Gang Sign Shared Online

Secret societies may be overly sensationalised on media platforms, but the fact remains that in reality…

They’re more illegal than in-trend.

As such, any sign denoting possible involvement in a secret society may be subject to scrutiny…

And in the worst case scenario, even get you whisked off to the police station.

Youth Arrested After Photo of Him Holding Knife & Showing Gang Sign Shared Online

A teen has been arrested on suspicions of joining an unlawful society.

The police were reportedly alerted to the teen’s possible involvement through a photo on social media on 16 Dec – which depicted the 17-year-old male holding a knife in one hand and showing a gang hand sign with the other.

After the picture blew up on social media, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department commenced investigations, and eventually ascertained the teen’s identity.

The 17-year-old was subsequently apprehended on Tuesday (29 Dec 2020).

Police investigations are currently ongoing.

Instagram

According to an affiliated post on Instagram, the teen in question claimed to be part of the “tanjong rhu”.

Though unspecified, it seems to refer to a Malay gang, gauging from the comments section of this 2008 video.

Netizens, however, were not exactly impressed by the teen’s display of power.

Apart from sarcastic pokes at how fierce he appeared to be, there were also condescending remarks targeted at his choice of hairstyle.

Crackdown

It appears that the police is cracking down hard on gang involvement here in Singapore.

On 24 Dec, twenty-four men aged between 20 and 48 were arrested.

They were all suspected members of secret societies and gangs.

Apparently, it was a collaboration between the Criminal Investigation Department, Central Police Division, Tanglin Police Division and Jurong Police Division.

The operation was vast in nature, taking place island-wide between 21 to 24 Dec.

According to the police, they made sure to check locations such as malls and common gathering areas.

On the last day of 2020, the police announced that they’ve arrested another 75 suspected secret society members.

Those who opt to join gangs, or show off their gang affiliation (like this “hero”), will be punished duly.

If found guilty, members of an unlawful society can face up to a S$5,000 fine, jailed for up to 3 years or both.

“Members of the public are also advised to steer clear of secret society activities and to report those engaging in such unlawful activities to the Police immediately.”

Featured Image: Instagram (@bengzofsg)