A former school principal and public servants are among 80 men being investigated by the police for their involvement in an online vice ring which was busted recently. What is online does not stay online, and online crimes can get busted, says STOMPer Tim.

According to a report in The Straits Times (Feb 14), the vice ring may have had prostitutes below the age of 18. Prostitution is generally allowed in Singapore, but paid sex with an underaged girl is a crime. It is also illegal to pimp sexual services, and patrons who engage prostitutes through vice syndicates could be called up for questioning as witnesses.

Others who were also hauled in for questioning are bankers, lawyers and other professionals from the private sector. The vice ring also made use of a range of premises, from budget establishments to high-end hotels, says the report.

A police spokesperson also told The Straits Times: 'The police do not take lightly persons who hide behind the anonymity of the Internet to conduct such illicit activities.'

STOMPer Tim shared his views:

"You're not safe if you think you can commit crimes on the internet and get away with it.

"By now we should know in this day and age, everything and anything you do can be tracked; it doesn't matter if you're hiding behind a pseudonym on the internet behind a huge firewall.

"Plus these people seem to be high flyers -- and a former school principal getting involved -- isn't it setting a bad example and tarnishing the image of the education sector?

"They should have known better and engaged legalised prostitutes, not from 'dodgy' internet websites. Who knows what health risks they will be facing, and how about their families? I'm sure some of them are married men.

"I was really quite shocked when I read about this news."