NILAI: Police have arrested five women including three foreigners in a special vice crackdown in the district for offering online prostitution activities.
District OCPD Supt Johari Yahya said the suspects aged between 28 and 32, were picked up during operations codenamed Op E-Noda in September.
He said the suspects who targeted and solicited potential clients by offering paid sexual services through mobile communication applications, were believed to have been active for the past three months.
"Investigations revealed that the suspects used online messaging platforms such as WeChat and MiChat to connect with potential customers.
"They charged their customers between RM200 and RM300 for each session which were usually carried out at budget hotels here," he told reporters.
Supt Johari said police also seized condoms, mobile phones, lubricants, and RM1,188 in cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit activities from the suspects.
They are being investigated under Section 372(1)(e) of the Penal Code for advertising or offering prostitution services.
Offenders can be jailed up to 15 years, fined and whipped.
They can also be charged under Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities which carries a fine of up to RM500,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both upon conviction.
Supt Johari said police will continue to intensify intelligence gathering and enforcement operations to stamp out vice activities, particularly those exploiting digital and online platforms.
Members of the public with information regarding such activities are urged to assist in investigations by contacting the district police operations room at 06-790 4222 or the nearest police station.
