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SINGAPORE: Twenty-four men, aged between 20 and 48, were arrested for being suspected members of illegal societies, police reported on Thursday (December 24).
Agents from the Criminal Investigation Department, Central Police Division, Tanglin Police Division and Jurong Police Division arrested the men during an island-wide police operation.
The operation was carried out between December 21 and 24.
“Proactive checks were carried out at various access points of congregations and shopping centers to suppress the activities of the secret society in these places,” police said.
Authorities added that they will continue to monitor the situation and step up enforcement operations across Singapore during the year-end holiday season to deter gang activities that threaten public safety.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Anyone found guilty of being a member of an illegal society under the Companies Act faces a fine of up to S $ 5,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.
“The police have zero tolerance for secret society activities and will not hesitate to take action against those who choose to associate with gangs and blatantly disobey the law,” police said.
They also advised members of the public to stay away from secret society activities and to report those who participated in such activities to the police immediately.