On Thursday afternoon (May 29), police conducted a major raid at a kopitiam (coffee shop) in Geylang, arresting 44 individuals — including 42 women — for allegedly engaging in activities such as providing escort services, massages, prostitution, and selling illegal lottery tickets.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, the raid took place at Victoria Food Court located along Geylang Road.
Previous reports indicated that many of the women at this kopitiam often provided drinking companionship and massages in exchange for tips. It was also common to see them getting physically close to customers.
The raid is believed to have been triggered by public complaints. Undercover police officers launched a surprise operation that afternoon. Several videos of the arrest, taken by onlookers, have since circulated online.
44 people arrested in the Geylang raid
Footage showed plainclothes officers surrounding the kopitiam and arresting the women, who were handcuffed and led onto a police bus in an orderly line, while members of the public watched the scene unfold.
When reporters visited the area on Thursday night, a nearby business owner, Mr. Chen (26), said the police arrived at around 5.30pm and the operation lasted until about 7pm.
He added that aside from the bus transporting the women, several unmarked vehicles were also present. Once police arrived, they quickly cordoned off the kopitiam, leaving the women with no escape.
After the raid, the kopitiam still had several older men drinking beer that evening, but there were no more female companions, only a few uniformed beer ladies.
In response to media queries, the police confirmed that 44 people were arrested for suspected involvement in prostitution and illegal gambling activities.
According to a police statement, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Bedok Police Division, and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) conducted a joint operation near Lorong 23 Geylang. A total of 42 women aged between 25 and 63 were arrested at the kopitiam for alleged violations of the Women’s Charter.
Separately, a 50-year-old woman was arrested in a nearby hotel for allegedly providing sexual services. She is believed to have arranged sexual transactions from within the same kopitiam.
Additionally, a 49-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly conducting illegal lottery sales at the food court. Officers seized gambling-related items from her possession. Investigations against all 44 individuals are ongoing.
Most Women Were from Vietnam and China
According to an insider, most of the women arrested were from Vietnam and China. Some were permanent residents or even citizens. After being arrested, many tend to lay low for a while before eventually returning to the scene.
“These women don’t stay in one place for long. They often move around like guerrillas — sometimes appearing at Lorong 29, or heading to other entertainment spots after getting a call.”
The source added that since their main motive is to earn money, some of them are also believed to offer additional services beyond just drinking companionship, if the price is right.
