NIBONG TEBAL (Bernama): Police have busted a prostitution syndicate operating in hidden rooms behind a hair salon in a raid on the premises in Jalan Nibong Tebal here on Sunday (Sept 5).

       They also arrested four women and three men in the 4.30pm raid carried out by a team from the Crime, Vice and Gambling Division (D7).

       Penang Criminal Investigation Department chief SAC Rahimi Ra’ais said the raid was conducted after police received tip-offs from the public.

       “The syndicate offered sex services to regular customers only, and operated through the back door of the hair salon to prevent the authorities from finding out.

       "Based on investigations, their modus operandi was that regular customers would contact the caretaker through WhatsApp and make reservations for the services before coming over," he said when contacted here on Monday (Sept 6).

       SAC Rahimi said during the raid, three foreign women aged 22 to 25 were found entertaining three customers aged between 43 and 48 in separate rooms.

       Police also arrested a 48-year-old local woman who is the owner of the premises, and is believed to be part of a syndicate.

       He said investigations were still being carried out, including attempts to locate several other members of the syndicate still believed to be in the state.

       "All seven individuals are now remanded for further investigation.

       "The case is being investigated under Sections 372A and 372B of the Penal Code, while they are also being probed under Rule 17 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Regulations 2021, as well as Section 269 of the Penal Code for violating standard operating procedures," he said. – Bernama