17th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) Following a crackdown on hotel prostitution in October, Hong Kong police have launched a two-week operation from 3rd to 17th December, targeting illegal sex work in the Yau Tsim district. In collaboration with the Immigration Department, authorities sought to address the issue at its source by focusing on landlords who ignore police warnings against renting properties for prostitution.
During the operation, police conducted undercover operations in known brothels, resulting in the arrest of 83 individuals, including clients, sex workers, and property owners. Among those apprehended was a 16-year-old girl from Mainland China suspected of being coerced into sex work, along with two Thai nationals, one of whom was dressed as a woman.
The arrested individuals face various charges, including breaches of stay conditions. The group comprised four local men and women, 73 Mainland women, and two Thai individuals, with ages ranging from 16 to 79. Property owners were charged with allowing or renting their premises for prostitution, while clients were implicated in encouraging immoral acts.
Inspector Lam Pak-kiu of the Yau Tsim Police District highlighted the importance of combating illegal prostitution. He noted that criminal syndicates have been renting units in older buildings, which typically have lax security and flexible lease agreements. As a result, the police have conducted extensive investigations and intelligence analysis to identify multiple properties used for illicit activities.
Despite previous warnings issued to property owners, some have continued to permit their units for prostitution. Police plan to send further warnings and collaborate with the Department of Justice to assess the evidence before deciding on potential prosecutions.
In a targeted operation in Yau Ma Tei, police arrested 11 Mainland sex workers and four male clients, aged between 33 and 79, for similar offences. Additional arrests were made across various districts, with a particular focus on properties known for facilitating prostitution.
