Johor police have arrested 174 individuals, including 162 foreigners, in a series of raids targeting prostitution in entertainment outlets, massage parlours, and hotels. Conducted between November 16 and 25, the operation, known as Op Noda, resulted in significant seizures, including cash, alcohol, and items linked to illegal activities.
Johor police launched 16 raids under the codename Op Noda across Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, and Batu Pahat. The operations, aimed at dismantling prostitution networks, involved entertainment venues, massage parlours, and hotels. Johor Police Chief Datuk M Kumar revealed the suspects were aged between 18 and 54, with foreigners comprising the majority.
Among those detained were nine local men, three local women, 29 foreign men, and 133 foreign women. Authorities revealed the involvement of individuals from diverse backgrounds in managing and engaging in the prostitution networks.
Items confiscated during the raids included condoms, lubricants, tissue rolls, towels, RM14,174 in cash (SGD 1,175), and 101 bottles of alcohol with unpaid taxes. These items provided critical evidence linking suspects to illegal activities.
The case is being investigated under multiple laws, including Sections 372B and 373 of the Penal Code, which target prostitution-related offenses. Other charges include violations of the Customs Act 1967, Johor State Entertainment Enactment 1998, and immigration laws.
Many suspects face immigration-related charges under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying or working without valid permits. Authorities also identified tax evasion linked to the seized alcohol, intensifying the crackdown’s scope.
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Given Johor’s proximity to Singapore and its connectivity to neighboring countries, the operations are significant for curbing cross-border crime. The involvement of foreign nationals highlights the transnational nature of the issue.
These raids underscore Johor’s intensified efforts to address crime and maintain safety. While the crackdown sends a strong deterrent message, it also signals heightened scrutiny of illegal networks operating across borders.
Johor police arrested 174 individuals, including 162 foreigners, in a statewide crackdown on prostitution from November 16 to 25. The operation uncovered cash, contraband, and links to tax evasion and immigration violations. Authorities are investigating the suspects under multiple legal provisions, highlighting the operation’s cross-border implications.
Sources: Bernama, Bernama (2024)
Keywords: Johor Raids, Prostitution Crackdown, Mass Arrests
