Man, 26, to be charged with allegedly operating illegal massage shops, causing fire

A 26-year-old man, accused of running five illegal massage shops across Singapore, will face charges on August 13, 2025, according to the police. The man is also suspected of providing his banking information to a criminal organization, with his account used for scam operations, the police stated on August 12, 2025. The allegations emerged after police inspections of massage businesses throughout the country from June to December 2025.

The man allegedly operated massage shops without proper licenses in Little India, Beach Road, MacPherson Road, Serangoon Garden, and Balestier Road. Moreover, in October 2021, he reportedly dropped a lit cigarette from the fourth floor of a building on Admiralty Street, causing a fire. In September 2024, it is alleged that he shared his bank account details and banking credentials with a criminal gang for $500, after which his account was utilized for scam operations.

If found guilty of operating unlicensed massage parlors, the man could be sentenced to a fine of up to $10,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both. For causing or contributing to a dangerous fire, he could face up to 18 months in prison, a fine, or both. For aiding in the unauthorized access to computer materials, he could be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for up to two years, or both.

The police vowed to continue regular inspections of massage establishments and impose strict penalties on those found operating without valid licenses. They warned the public to avoid lucrative offers promising quick profits in exchange for accessing SingPass or bank accounts or using personal accounts to receive or transfer funds for others. The police emphasized that those linked to such crimes would be held accountable.