Man to be charged with allegedly operating 5 illegal massage parlours, other offences

A 26-year-old man will be charged on Thursday (Aug 13) for various offences, including allegedly operating five illegal massage parlours, the police said on Wednesday.

Several enforcement operations were conducted on massage parlours islandwide between June and December 2025.

Preliminary investigations revealed that he had allegedly operated these outlets at Little India, Beach Road, Macpherson Road, Serangoon Garden and Balestier Road. 

Investigations also revealed that he was allegedly involved in two other cases.

In October 2021, he allegedly caused a fire after dropping a lit cigarette from the fourth floor of a building along Admiralty Street .

In September 2024, he allegedly provided his bank account details to a criminal syndicate for $500. The account was later used for scam operations.

If convicted of operating unlicensed massage parlours, he can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to two years, or both, and for causing or contributing to the risk of dangerous fire, he can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined, or both.

For helping to secure unauthorised access to computer materials, he can be fined up to $5,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.

The offence of helping to retain or control another person’s benefits from criminal conduct is punishable with a fine of up to $50,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.

Open concept massage establishments

In April, the police said that open-concept massage establishments must have a Category 3 licence, which means owners must obtain the relevant land-use approval from HDB or Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Category 1 licences are required for establishments that operate in HDB shophouses, shopping centres and hotels, while Category 2 licences are for shops located away from residential areas, schools and places of worship.

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