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SINGAPORE: Thirteen men will be charged in court for crimes under the Companies Act and for violating COVID-19 safe distancing measures, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Tuesday (September 8).
Investigations revealed that the men, ages 16 to 35, are members of a secret society who attended a funeral on Circuit Road on April 5.
The incident occurred during the COVID-19 “circuit breaker” period, during which residents were barred from leaving the home except for essential activities like grocery shopping.
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At the funeral held along Circuit Road, the men “chanted gang slogans to show their affiliation to a secret society,” police said, adding that four of the men also recruited new gang members.
Anyone who acts as a member of an illegal society and anyone who incites another person to become a member of an illegal society can be fined a maximum of S $ 5,000, imprisoned for up to three years or both.
The 13 men had also violated safe distancing measures, authorities said.
A 26-year-old man who had rented the location for the funeral service will be charged for allowing the presence of more than 10 people at the location, while the remaining 12 men will be charged for gathering at the event involving more of 10 people. .
Anyone found guilty of violating safe distancing measures can be fined up to S $ 10,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both.
“The police have zero tolerance for secret society activities and will not hesitate to take action against those who are associated with gangs and blatantly ignore the law,” authorities said.
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